Experience of cumulative trauma disorders on life roles of worker and family member: A case study of a married couple

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Dale, Lucinda | Barkley, Amy | Bayless, Stephanie | Coleman, Shelley D. | McDonald, Brad | Myszkowski, Janell | Phipps-Stevens, Lenore

Affiliations: University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Janell L. Myszkowski, 323 Longbow Drive, Peoria, IL 61604, USA. Tel.: +1 309 697 3617; Fax: +1 309 683 563; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The prevalence of diagnosed cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) within the workforce comes at a high price for employers burdened with financial losses from missed work and worker's compensation costs. Research has focused primarily on the impact of CTD on the worker role within the workplace, overlooking the impact on roles across multiple environments [24,35,54]. Furthermore, the influence of CTD on life roles of a spouse has not been examined. This single case study illustrated the experience of CTD within a marital relationship through the use of grounded theory. Results indicated that adaptations to CTD symptoms were least altering to the established routines and roles of the couple. With progression of symptoms, the spouse without symptoms was relied on more heavily for adaptations to manage pain. The results of this study indicate that occupational therapists must examine the client's valued roles and incorporate the family into intervention strategies.

Journal: Work, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 245-255, 2003