‘One of the negative things about TS is the way that people react’: An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) investigating stigma in Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) to reduce the effects of stigma on accessing therapeutic coaching

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is a highly stigmatised condition linked to poor quality of life and socio-ecological barriers. Therapeutic coaching is becoming a more prevalent treatment for TS, and stigma has been found to prevent people from seeking coaching. Previous studies on TS have proposed various interventions to alleviate the effects of stigma. However, there is a paucity of research on the subject. This study aimed to add to the literature by exploring how people with TS experience stigma, the affected domains and perceived necessary interventions. Sixteen previously written blogs from the Tourette’s Action website were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The study found people with TS experienced extrinsic and self-stigma, which creates barriers in their relationships, education, employment and in healthcare. Interventions, such as raising awareness, support groups and reframing their perception of TS were suggestions made by the bloggers and confirm previous findings. Easing tics instead of suppressing them was also suggested, which requires further investigation.