A young woman's life with an invisible disability : it was the young woman, with the syringe, in the stomach

Abstract

This thesis analyses the lived experiences and realities of a young woman living with an invisible disability. More specifically, it debates the advantages and disadvantages of disclosing type l diabetes, drawing on the conceptual-theoretical insights of symbolic interaction, including discreditable stigma and impression management strategies. Data for this thesis consist of findings from research studies on the topic, complemented with first-person insights modelled on a biographical-narrative approach. Taken together, this evidence suggests that it is not always smart to disclose an invisible disability and that disclosure brings positive and negative experiences, depending on when and to whom you disclose.