Psicología (Distancia) · 2025

Representaciones mentales: Una mirada sobre el lupus en dos mujeres con el diagnóstico

Resumen

Considering the aspects of lupus as a chronic autoimmune disease managed through treatment, given the lack of a cure, along with the impact and consequent changes it can cause in aspects of self-image, self-concept, social role, and physical and psychological health, the present study aimed to describe the mental representations of two women diagnosed with lupus. The methodology used was a qualitative approach, with a hermeneutic-phenomenological design and a descriptive nature. The data collection technique consisted of a semi-structured interview, which was conducted with two female volunteers from Cartago and Pereira city, diagnosed with lupus, following selection criteria. Through a coding analysis of the information, categories were obtained that allowed the participants' narratives to be identified, subsequently interpreted, and described. Among the results, the search for a sense of strength, autonomy, and awareness of self-care stood out, acting as an active coping mechanism in the face of the recognition of the disease's inherent vulnerability. Additionally, this revealed an act of redefining their existence, giving importance and priority to their personal well-being, despite the awareness of the potential severity of the diagnosis. This constituted a discovery of resilience, fundamental to understanding ways of adapting to a chronic illness.

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