Students with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a case study of personhood

Kay, Daniel (2020). Students with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a case study of personhood. University of Birmingham. Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

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Abstract

In recent years, the rights of children and young people with medical conditions to experience equitable educational opportunities – as set out within Section 100 of the Children and Families Act (2014) – has become the subject of increasing interest and commentary. Despite this, concerns have been raised regarding the support these students receive in practice. There exists a relative paucity of research which considers the views and perspectives of students with medical conditions about their educational experiences. This thesis aimed to address this gap by exploring the multi-dimensionality of what it means to be a student with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed in a case study of personhood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants (secondary school, undergraduate and postgraduate students) to explore the development of their self-understanding and agency in the sociocultural context of education. Of particular focus was how participants made sense of their lived experiences and linked their past, present and anticipated future. Three themes were identified: dimensions of who I am; connecting the self and others; and risk, trust and protection. The psychology of personhood is brought together with the focal model of adolescence to explain how the congruence or incongruence between self and the environment can influence the ways in which aspects of personhood develop, evolve and interact over time. Conclusions highlight the importance of understanding the person-in-context to gain insight into personhood. Without this, support in education for students with type 1 diabetes mellitus risks failure in practice.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

Supervisor(s):