<p> The present study utilized the microanalysis techniques for grounded theory described by Strauss and Corbin (1998) to better understand the lived experience of having rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a young adult woman. The sample consisted of eight women between the ages of 25-36, each of which participated in a 60-90 minute telephone interview that explored how they feel, think, and behave in terms of their RA. A theory emerged from the data that reflected the process of moving from diagnosis to acceptance for the participants. This process was described as being akin to a roller coaster because of the myriad of ups and downs associated with the RA experience. The findings from this study may help to inform the understanding of how young adults experience life in terms of their RA and, therefore, has potentially positive implications for other young adults with RA as well as their health care professionals, family, and friends.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3612596 |
| Date | 04 April 2014 |
| Creators | Louis, Ashleigh C. |
| Publisher | Capella University |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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