Research Article

Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals with Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study

Volume: 21 Number: 6 December 2, 2024
TR EN

Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals with Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Studies have shown that autonomy is a strong determinant of psychological well-being and social participation for individuals with disabilities. However, the factors influencing the development of autonomy in individuals with spina bifida have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the life experiences of adults with spina bifida that influence them in building their autonomy. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine people diagnosed with spina bifida using the phenomenological research method, which is a qualitative research approach. As a result of the interviews, it was concluded that assuming responsibility, self-confidence and close relationships contributed to the participants’ autonomy development. It has also been found that female participants faced additional challenges related to their gender when developing their autonomy. We expect that this qualitative study will contribute to a better understanding of the factors supporting autonomy development in youth with spina bifida. In particular, families and professionals working in this field should focus on helping children and adolescents with spina bifida to assume more responsibility at an age-appropriate level and participate in activities to increase their self-confidence. Supportive services should be developed to ensure strong family and peer relationships.

Keywords

Autonomy, spina bifida, qualitative, empowerment, well-being

Ethical Statement

We confirm that neither the manuscript nor any parts of its content are currently under consideration for publication with or published in another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to OPUS Journal of Society Research.

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APA
Aydoğan Tor, C., & Küçükkaraca, N. (2024). Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals with Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study. OPUS Journal of Society Research, 21(6), 407-420. https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1536888
AMA
1.Aydoğan Tor C, Küçükkaraca N. Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals with Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study. OPUS JSR. 2024;21(6):407-420. doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1536888
Chicago
Aydoğan Tor, Canan, and Nilgün Küçükkaraca. 2024. “Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals With Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study”. OPUS Journal of Society Research 21 (6): 407-20. https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1536888.
EndNote
Aydoğan Tor C, Küçükkaraca N (December 1, 2024) Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals with Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study. OPUS Journal of Society Research 21 6 407–420.
IEEE
[1]C. Aydoğan Tor and N. Küçükkaraca, “Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals with Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study”, OPUS JSR, vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 407–420, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.26466/opusjsr.1536888.
ISNAD
Aydoğan Tor, Canan - Küçükkaraca, Nilgün. “Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals With Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study”. OPUS Journal of Society Research 21/6 (December 1, 2024): 407-420. https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1536888.
JAMA
1.Aydoğan Tor C, Küçükkaraca N. Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals with Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study. OPUS JSR. 2024;21:407–420.
MLA
Aydoğan Tor, Canan, and Nilgün Küçükkaraca. “Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals With Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study”. OPUS Journal of Society Research, vol. 21, no. 6, Dec. 2024, pp. 407-20, doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1536888.
Vancouver
1.Canan Aydoğan Tor, Nilgün Küçükkaraca. Factors Supporting Autonomy Development in Individuals with Spina Bifida: A Qualitative Study. OPUS JSR. 2024 Dec. 1;21(6):407-20. doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1536888