Psychological change process of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Analysis by trajectory equifinality model

Abstract

The aim of the study was to understand the process of psychological change experienced by people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) since the disease onset and identify the kinds of psychological support they need in various stages. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten SLE patients recruited through snowball sampling and their narratives were analyzed using the Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM) method. The analysis showed that while patients become increasingly distrustful of medicine as they receive treatment, they attempt to adapt to treatment through candid exchange of views with the doctor and by building close relationships with medical professionals. Patients are obliged to change their social status after contracting the disease, and it has been shown that they attempt to recover normality and accept reality with support from others who understand their circumstances and fellow patients. The study suggests that early psychological educational support and team-based medical care by a variety of professionals support the adaptation to the disease. It is also suggested that relationship-building among fellow patients should be encouraged so that they can accept changes in their social status.