'From alpha male to omega male' a grounded theory study of sexuality and intimacy in the lives of young men who have sustained traumatic brain injury
Clark, A.M. (2017). 'From alpha male to omega male' a grounded theory study of sexuality and intimacy in the lives of young men who have sustained traumatic brain injury. (Unpublished Doctoral thesis, City, University of London)
Abstract
Original Aims:
To explore the experiences, changes and difficulties in relation to their sexuality and intimate relationships, of young men who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) between the ages of 16-25.
To review practical and emotional support received during rehabilitation in relation to sexuality and explore how this might be improved.
To address some of the gaps in the literature relating to this area.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using the social constructionist approach to grounded theory.
Participants: Eight men who had sustained a TBI between the ages of 16-25, with no pre-existing disabilities or mental health difficulties, were recruited to participate in the research.
Main Findings: Four central categories and one core category were constructed from the analysis of the data. The central categories were “I felt like I was sinking at times” – “Wanting my old life back”; The aloneness of TBI; “A wasteland of intimacy” and A shift in the narrative of time. A core category of “From alpha male to omega male”: an unwanted, uninvited individuation was developed and elevated to this central position within the analysis because of its ability to account for and contain all the other categories embedded within the data. Proposals are made for possible theoretical developments which may help healthcare professionals to understand and work with people post –TBI; these include the concept of an unwanted, uninvited individuation and a development of Boss’ theory of ambiguous loss to specifically account for intrapersonal ambiguous loss in addition to interpersonal ambiguous loss.
Key words: traumatic brain injury; sexuality; intimacy; constructivist grounded theory; individuation; ambiguous loss
| Publication Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology |
| Departments: | Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses |
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