Psychological Processes of Women with Hemiplegia

Changing Understanding of Their Disabilities through Fashion Show Participation

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify how psychological and behavioral changes in women with hemiplegia who had experienced a stroke were triggered by their participation in fashion shows. The Trajectory Equifinality Approach (TEA) was used to evaluate the four women. They had negative feelings about others’ views of them since the onset of their stroke. A positive encounter was the catalyst for their fashion show participation. Some women were able to stop worrying and stay upbeat in spite of their disabilities. On the day of the show, they dressed stylishly, discovered a different self, and walked down the runway. Later, they said that they enjoyed dressing up and realized they were not alone. They are no longer affected by how people look at them. Ultimately, they used their experiences to help others who were suffering, indicating that their understanding of their disabilities had changed.