Reshaping of self: a pendular reconstruction of self and identity among adults with traumatic spinal cord injury

Abstract This paper describes the impact of chronic illness on self and identity among 35 adults with traumatic spinal cord injury (paraplegic), living in the community. The reconstruction of self and identity post spinal cord injury is conceptualised as a pendulum. The pendulum of self represents a dynamic model of identity reconstruction. The pendulum suggests that identity reconstruction is a process that swings back and forth like a pendulum between the nondisabled and disabled aspects of self. The pendulum depicts five predominant identity views (outcomes). These are: 1) the former self; 2) the supernormal identity; 3) the disabled identity as total self; 4) the disabled identity as an aspect of the total self; and 5) the middle self. These identity views are influenced by five experiences (processes). These are: 1) loss; 2) sustainment; 3) integration; 4) continuity and 5) development of the self. It is suggested that frameworks of identity reconstruction or reconstitution which include both process and outcome components may elucidate more clearly the impact of chronic illness on self and identity. In addition, this pendulum model of identity reconstruction is an alternative approach to traditional sociological conceptions of identity reconstruction.