Acquired facial palsy: exploring lived experiences and psychological sequelae

Abstract

The attached thesis contains two separate research papers to include an Extended Literature Review and Large Scale Research Project.

Extended Literature Review
The physical and functional consequences of Acquired Facial Palsy (AFP) are well documented, however less is known about the psychological sequalae of AFP. Notwithstanding the dynamic relationship between consequences, the physical and functional ramifications are believed to have a considerable influence over psychological processes. A comprehensive narrative review of the literature is provided which aims to synthesize what is currently known, drawing on salient conceptual frameworks, empirical studies and commonly employed treatment approaches. Given the limited information on the psychological consequences of AFP, this review will extend to reflect pertinent themes across the literature in the area of facial visible difference, and more broadly why faces matter, from a psychological perspective. Accordingly, future areas of research are identified.

Large Scale Research Project
Acquired Facial Palsy (AFP) refers to a weakness or paralysis of the facial nerve arising from a myriad of aetiological factors, with resultant impacts on function and physical appearance. In a bid to further the understanding of quantitative findings indicative of psychological distress, this study aimed to explore adults’ experiences of living with AFP from the onset of symptoms diagnosis through to experience of specialist treatment in a Northern Irish service. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of semi-structured interviews with eight individuals resulted in the three superordinate themes of ‘A Struggle with Identity’, ‘Isolation and Dismissal: The Role of Systems’ and ‘Experience of Care Specialisms’, and respective subordinate themes. The results are discussed in the context of key literature, clinical implications and limitations.

Date of Award	Dec 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Queen's University Belfast & South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
Supervisor	Kevin Vowles (Supervisor), Martin Dempster (Supervisor) & Jenny Maguire (Supervisor)