Bent into shape : the lived experience of adults who were treated for scoliosis during their adolescence

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation was to explore the lived experience of Maltese adults who were treated for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) during their adolescence. Internationally, there is much literature available about the subject, most of which is quantitative in nature. Locally, the topic has not been investigated. This study aims to build on the literature available by taking a qualitative perspective to retrospectively look into the experience of six individuals who were treated for scoliosis locally, with the chosen methodology taken for analysis being Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The results showed that scoliosis is more than a physical condition, involving complex psychological and emotional processes, which are often varied. Trauma was evidenced in the participants’ accounts and each experienced a process of adaptation following treatment. Struggles towards becoming autonomous and re-achieving independent day-to-day functioning as well as support from existing social contexts seemed to be key to the participants’ progress.