Abstract

FREITAS, Juliana  and  COSTA, Lívia Fialho. Where are the others? changes and permanences in the social networks of support and care of quadriplegics. Linhas Críticas [online]. 2018, vol.24, e18961.  Epub Nov 09, 2018. ISSN 1981-0431.  https://doi.org/10.26512/lc.v24i0.18961.

From a study that aimed at analyzing the composition and recomposition of social networks of chronic quadriplegic individuals, we studied the tensions and paradoxes that emerge from the situation of complete dependence of an individual on the help of other people to ensure their survival. The research is part of the qualitative research field. We analyzed, in this article, the case of a young patient with acquired tetraplegia. The data were obtained based on biographical narrative and interviews guided by semistructured scripts. The analysis of the changes and permanences of the social networks of support showed to be an instrument capable of allowing a better understanding of the dynamics of care adopted in situations of high dependence. It was evidenced that the presence of a social network, even if it is emptied and weakened, is determinant in the adoption of positive coping strategies of quadriplegia.It was observed the importance of a greater presence of the State in the support of these families and the awareness of the society to accept and not repudiate the diversity resulting from the deficiency.

Keywords : Social network; Family; Health care; Quadriplegia.

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