THE AGEING BODY: DRESS, DEMENTIA AND IDENTITY
Research type
Research Study
Full title
THE AGEING BODY: DRESS, DEMENTIA AND IDENTITY
IRAS ID
238516
Contact name
Ezinma Mbonu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University for the Creative Arts
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
Research relating to dementia and dress is relatively new, however Julia Twigg (2010, 2013, 2014), Christina Buse (2013, 2014) and Richard Ward (2014) have undertaken studies on the subject. A review of the literature highlights the dearth of scholarship that links the notion of personhood, identity, and dress to persons living with dementia especially from the black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
The aim of the investigation is to collect data on the unique experiences of older people from BAME communities living with dementia. This data will contribute to a more inclusive understanding of lives lived with the condition. Using the materiality of clothing as a lens to explore notions of personhood, embodiment, agency and identity of persons with dementia, especially from the BAME community, the intended outcome is to improve the sense of well-being amongst these people, especially those from the BAME community, a community that is so often marginalised.
I aim to investigate the following:
• To what extent the experience of dress by persons with dementia from the BAME communities might be qualitatively different from the non-migrant community
• To what extent interaction with dress can enable a better understanding of the experiences of a person with dementia, and can be used as the basis of beneficial activities in the care home setting to enhance a sense of well-being.The participants will initially be recruited on the advice of the care home managers. I aim to recruit three to six participants.
The positive benefits of the study will outweigh any negative impact of the study. It is important and much needed qualitative research due to the paucity of research in this area. This research will generate generalizable themes that will help to create a more inclusive understanding of lives lived by different people living with dementia.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0117
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion