Moving away from facades: in-depth interviews with subjectively healthy women diagnosed with distress

Abstract

Objectives: To gain a deeper understanding of why women, diagnosed with mental distress, reported good physical and mental health. What could the reason be and how did they feel four to five years later? Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with seven women; age 33 to 52, who worked in a Swedish male-dominated industry. The methodological approach relied on grounded theory. Results: A conceptual model was generated in the analysis, describing a temporal process of change in the women's self-image. Three core concepts illuminated this process: (1) maintaining an ideal self-image, (2) waking up/reappraising health and (3) struggling for a realistic self. The women were moving away from facades of meeting social expectations and pleasing others toward trusting and setting boundaries for themselves. Moving away from symptoms such as asthma, migraine and infections, as well as family problems, they felt and hoped that they had more control over their lives. Conclusions: A conceptual model was proposed to illustrate a temporal change in women's self-image related to their changing perception of health. Women's new way of life challenges the support system within organizations and society.