Post-stroke emotionalism (PSE): Making sense of neurological, psychological and experiential factors

Fitzgerald, Sophie (2021) Post-stroke emotionalism (PSE): Making sense of neurological, psychological and experiential factors. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Emotionalism is a condition which arises following a range of neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. It is characterised by episodes of uncontrollable crying or laughter, not under usual control and which are disproportionate or inappropriate to the social context.
Aim: This thesis aimed to explore the neurological, psychological and experiential factors of emotionalism in neurological disorders.
Method: Firstly, a systematic review was conducted to investigate the neurophysiological, neuropsychological and psychological predictors and correlates of emotionalism across neurological disorders. A narrative synthesis and additional analyses were completed to explore differences between predictors and correlates across neurological disorders. Secondly, an empirical paper explored individuals experience of emotionalism following stroke, over time. A qualitative longitudinal analysis of interview data was completed two-weeks, six-months and 12-months post-stroke.
Results: The systematic review highlighted predictors and correlates found across several neurological disorders including bulbar networks, serotonergic pathways, genetics and psychological impact. However, the majority of research focused on stroke populations whereby further research is required across neurological disorders to enable definitive answers. In the empirical paper, three main experiential themes of post-stroke emotionalism were identified: ‘In the moment’, ‘Ways of coping’ and ‘Impact’. Participants with more negative experiences of emotionalism described higher frequencies of avoidance, negative beliefs, distress, embarrassment and found it hard to describe their experience.
Conclusions: This thesis portfolio highlights the neurological, psychological and experiential factors of emotionalism, which helps to further our understanding of emotionalism and presents a framework/model, which can shape clinical practice.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Jackie Webb
Date Deposited:	18 Nov 2021 13:51
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2021 13:51
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/82213
DOI:

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