A Thematic Narrative Analysis of Psychological Experiences in Adults Living with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Qualitative Study
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Objective: Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) affects patients not only physically but also psychologically, often leading to long-term emotional distress, maladaptive coping, and social isolation. Despite its prevalence, few studies have explored the lived psychological experiences of individuals with CHB through narrative frameworks. his study aimed to analyze the life narratives of adults living with CHB to identify key psychological themes, schemas, and social factors influencing their emotional wellbeing.
Methods and Materials: A qualitative narrative analysis was conducted using McAdams’ semi-structured life story interview protocol. Ten participants (aged 25–55) diagnosed with CHB were selected through purposive homogeneous sampling from a research center in Tehran. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Riessman’s thematic model. Data were coded inductively and deductively using MAXQDA 10, and thematic saturation was reached after 10 interviews.
Findings: Six core themes emerged: (1) maladaptive early family dynamics (e.g., emotional deprivation, authoritarian parenting), (2) traumatic life events, (3) limited perceived social support, (4) negative doctor-patient experiences, (5) maladaptive emotion regulation (e.g., rumination, self-blame), and (6) cognitive inflexibility and experiential avoidance. These predisposing and reinforcing factors shaped participants’ psychological responses and illness narratives.
Conclusion: Narratives revealed that family dysfunction, chronic stress, and lack of support significantly impact the psychological trajectory of individuals with CHB. Interventions targeting cognitive-emotional flexibility, social support, and narrative reconstruction may improve adaptation in this population.
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