Abstract

Explanation of Subjective Experience in Patients with Bipolar I Disorder Facing Love Trauma Based on Grounded Theory

Experiencing failure and rejection in emotional relationships is a traumatic experience in patients with bipolar I disorder due to their mood changes. This study aimed to explain subjective experience in confrontation with love trauma in patients with bipolar I disorder. To achieve this goal, a qualitative research method, grounded theory based on the Strauss-Corbin approach, and a semi-structured interview were used. The participants were 19 patients with bipolar I disorder in 2021 in Zanjan City who was selected based on theoretical sampling and theoretical saturation. Data analysis was performed based on three coding methods: open, axial, and selective coding. Analysis of participants' experiences led to the identification of 102 primary concepts, 13 subcategories, and 5 main categories, including "traumatic experiences within one’s family", "vulnerable/undeveloped-self", "ineffective coping strategies", "negative experience of separation" and “interfering factors associated with intimate partner". The category of "vulnerable/undeveloped-self" was at the heart of the present study. Misbehaviour, neglect, and stressful family environment, as well as common traumatic experiences within the family, could lead to a lack of proper development of "self" which in turn would lead it to get away from the positive growth process. The need to merge with the partner and the fear of loneliness and abandonment leads them to assume any distance and separation as rejection and therefore they attempt to employ ineffective coping strategies that challenge the structure of "self" and exacerbate the feeling of defect and shame.

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