Negotiating social presence and relational support after total laryngectomy: a qualitative study.

IF 2.2 3区医学 Q2 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Psychology Health & Medicine Pub Date : 2026-10-10 DOI:10.1080/13548506.2026.2746785

Wanjiku Gatonga, Caroline Vafeas, Esther Adama, Joanna Camilleri, Lisa Majteles, Amanda Towell-Barnard

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Total laryngectomy is a relatively uncommon procedure, yet it significantly affects individuals' overall well-being. Awareness of the procedure remains low, and support for these individuals is limited, shaping how individuals perceive their visibility and support in everyday social interactions. This study aimed to explore how individuals with a total laryngectomy perceive their visibility in social interactions, and the support they receive from family and the wider community. This narrative inquiry study collected data from six participants through interviews and written stories. The data was then analysed through narrative thematic analysis, restoring each narrative and identifying themes using Braun and Clarke (2019) reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed from the data; 'Visible but invisible' and 'Who really cares?' The theme 'Visible but invisible' highlighted that these individuals feel ignored, labelled and stigmatised, live with embarrassment and encounter public unfamiliarity of total laryngectomy. The theme 'Who really cares?' highlighted challenges surrounding family and gaps in total laryngectomy peer support. Total laryngectomy remains a rare and unfamiliar procedure, and individuals continue to face challenges following the procedure. The significant social and psychological impact of post-laryngectomy experiences suggests a need for increased awareness and support for this marginalised population.

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全喉切除术后协商社会存在与关系支持：一项质性研究。

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来源期刊

Psychology Health & Medicine PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

6.20

自引率

0.00%

发文量

200

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Psychology, Health & Medicine is a multidisciplinary journal highlighting human factors in health. The journal provides a peer reviewed forum to report on issues of psychology and health in practice. This key publication reaches an international audience, highlighting the variation and similarities within different settings and exploring multiple health and illness issues from theoretical, practical and management perspectives. It provides a critical forum to examine the wide range of applied health and illness issues and how they incorporate psychological knowledge, understanding, theory and intervention. The journal reflects the growing recognition of psychosocial issues as they affect health planning, medical care, disease reaction, intervention, quality of life, adjustment adaptation and management. For many years theoretical research was very distant from applied understanding. The emerging movement in health psychology, changes in medical care provision and training, and consumer awareness of health issues all contribute to a growing need for applied research. This journal focuses on practical applications of theory, research and experience and provides a bridge between academic knowledge, illness experience, wellbeing and health care practice.