MS: Busting the Myths
May 26, 2025 | Life with MS, News, Research
Nikki Singh, a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, is conducting research into the lived experiences of young people with autoimmune diseases.
Research summary:
Nikki’s research explores how autoimmune diseases impact identity among young adults aged 18 to 30. While often viewed primarily as biological conditions to be managed, autoimmune diseases can deeply affect a person’s sense of self. A diagnosis can prompt questions like, “Who am I now?”- highlighting the need to consider identity in chronic illness research.
Her work examines identity in two dimensions: ‘being’ – the personal, lived experience of having an autoimmune disease, and ‘becoming’ – how society portrays and understands life with these conditions. Through these lenses, Nikki investigates how illness shapes identity and what this means for quality of life, healthcare delivery, and broader health outcomes.
If you’d like to take part, please contact Nikki on nikki.singh@auckland.ac.nz or scan the QR code below to find out more.
