The experience of living with sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) : Accessibility, financial security and social relationships

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to illuminate how individuals living with SHR, experience its impact on accessibility, financial security and social relationships. Method: A qualitative approach was used. The participants were recruited by advertising on the website for “The network for people with odor intolerance”. The data was collected by written descritive texts from the participants and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: The results showed that the informants experienced an extensive lack of accessibility in society. It was difficult to move around in society, to visit public buildings and facilities and it was almost impossible to find a suitable place to live. Regarding financial security they had a reduced income due to difficulties to earn their living in combination with increased expenses because of the disease and they had difficulties to get the support they needed from authorities. This created an insecure financial situation. Further, the findings showed that their social relationships had been affected. Socializing with others had become hard and troublesome, they had become limited in doing social activities and they got support from some but these persons became limited. Six themes permeated the categories in all three content areas: “Being limited”, “Being forced to behave incompatible with your true personality”, “Experiencing a lack of understanding and respect from others”, “Experiencing insecurity”, “Being dependent on others” and “Being forced to choose between the plague and cholera”.