The Social Representation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) among attendees at an international lupus conference in Guadalajara, Jalisco

Authors

  • Aarón González-Palacios Centro de Investigación Educativa y Bienestar Universitario, Departamento de Disciplinas Filosófico, Metodológicas e Instrumentales, Universidad de Guadalajara. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5895-6847
  • María Paulina Reyes-Mata Centro de Investigación Educativa y Bienestar Universitario, Departamento de Disciplinas Filosófico, Metodológicas e Instrumentales, Universidad de Guadalajara. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8856-8722
  • Claudia Azucena Palafox-Sánchez Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Clínicas Médicas Universidad de Guadalajara. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0836-4186
  • Miguel Marín-Rosales Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Clínicas Médicas Universidad de Guadalajara. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1658-8630
  • Karina Aimeé Ramírez-Contreras Licenciatura en Médico, Cirujano y Partero, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29059/rpcc.20251201-199

Keywords:

“Social Representation”, “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus”, “Structural Model”, “Natural Semantic Networks”, “Meaning”, “Pain”, “Resilience”

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with clinical manifestations that impact the quality of life of those who suffer from it. This study explores the social representation of attendees at an international conference on SLE in Mexico. The technique of hierarchical verbal associations and response justification was applied. Data was analyzed using the structural model of social representations, the modified natural semantic network technique (MNSN), and thematic content analysis. Forty-one subjects (35 women and 6 men) were included. In the structural prototypical analysis, the central core consisted of terms such as "pain," "resilience," and "challenge." The MNSN analysis revealed a high negative emotional charge, especially in participants with SLE, who associated the disease with sadness, frustration, and anguish. On the other hand, the external perspective (non-patients) emphasized the challenging nature of SLE, with a lower emotional charge and greater reference to hope and knowledge. The social representation of SLE reflects an experience marked by uncertainty, stigma, and physical and emotional suffering.

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Published

2025-12-01

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025): Julio - Diciembre

Section

Investigación empírica y análisis teórico

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