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Transition to self-management of chronic conditions: a study of the lived experiences of young people, their family members, and caregivers
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Date
2025-12-21
Authors
Leocadio, Paula
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Background
Transitions are periods of change that mark the movement from one life phase, situation, or status to another. Those related to health and illness have been characterized as complex and multidimensional, involving extended periods of adjustment that may harm well-being and negatively affect healthcare consumption. For young people, the transition to self-management of chronic conditions coincides with a mix of bio-psycho-social factors associated with individual development and other life transitions that can compromise self-management and continuity of care. This can lead to serious short-term and long-term health complications that can significantly affect young people and undermine the effectiveness of healthcare services in delivering quality care.
Study Design
The present dissertation takes the structure of a publication-based thesis. Manuscript I presents a systematic literature review that syntheses existing research on the lived experiences of young people, their family members, and caregivers during the transition to self-management of chronic conditions. Findings from this review informed the conceptual framing and methodological development of this dissertation. Manuscript II addresses the methodological limitations in extant research on the transition to self-management. Manuscript III adopts a multi-method qualitative approach that combines in-depth interviews and graphic elicitation workshops to explore and elucidate how the transition to self-management is experienced and negotiated over time. Finally, Manuscript IV advances a partnership-oriented approach to developing effective supports and interventions by purposefully involving young people, family members, and caregivers in matters that impact them.
Findings
The overarching findings from this research reveal that the transition to self-management of chronic conditions is non-linear and recursive, marked by shifting relational dynamics, fluctuating readiness, and evolving care demands. In this way, the argument is made that transitioning to self-management of chronic conditions unfolds through negotiations and interdependencies among young people, family members, caregivers, peers, and healthcare professionals.
Contributions
Conceptually, this research advances a relational theoretical lens on health-illness transitions that critiques the persistent dominance of individualistic assumptions across marketing and healthcare research. Empirically, the overall findings of this research reveal the underexplored social embeddedness that shapes health-illness transitions and influences well-being outcomes. Methodologically, this research advances context-sensitive and reflexive inquiry in line with inclusive research practices in marketing to address limitations of static, snapshot views of individuals’ lived experiences. Practically, this research suggests that the relational dynamics shaping health-illness transitions are highly relevant for current efforts to improve service design and delivery.
Description
Keywords
Health-illness transitions , Consumer vulnerability , Marketing , Healthcare , Patient and Public Involvement , Co-production
Citation
Leocadio, P. 2025. Transition to self-management of chronic conditions: a study of the lived experiences of young people, their family members, and caregivers. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.