The Description of Life Experiences of a Person with Pediatric-Onset Tetraplegia During His Upper Teen and Young Adult Years

<p>The purpose of this narrative case study was to understand how a young man with pediatric-onset tetraplegia described his life experiences during his upper teen and young adult years. Data was obtained through two individual semi-structured interviews and observations. Interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed by the primary investigator at the home of the participant. The participant provided information about his life including his experiences with family, friends, and healthcare providers. Six themes that emerged from the data included <em>I always have someone with me, I'm not easily broken, I'm stubborn, I've made it the best I can make it, I'm just like everybody else, and Right now it's about me doing what I want to do.</em> Results showed that the participant and his family viewed his experiences as typical, but they were actually rather unique. This included never being able to spend time alone, having to use adaptive equipment or transportation, and having a positive attitude about most situations including his ability to find ways to make things work. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2014

Author dc:creator

• Yarberry, Kelsey M.

• Life Experiences
• Pediatric-Onset
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Tetraplegia
• Occupational Therapy

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Kelsey M. Yarberry

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/229

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1227