The experience of emerging adulthood in men with acquired impairment

Abstract

This thesis explores the experiences of emerging adulthood for men with an acquired impairment. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with four men with acquired impairments in an urban center of Canada. Through thematic analysis, three themes emerged: internal perceptions, dynamics of social relationships, and barriers and opportunities. Their stories illustrate many common emerging adult experiences as well as some divergent experiences, which may potentially be due to their acquired impairment. The main findings include the importance of friends and family and the fact that the timing for some of the developmental tasks of emerging adulthood may be delayed. Implications for professionals and researchers are presented, focusing on ways to best support men in emerging adulthood with acquired impairments.