"This book describes a study that employed qualitative research methods and the Occupational Performance Model (Austrailia) to investigate how people with Parkinson's disease and their partners continue to actively paticipate as members of their social community. Loss of control over choice and manner of engagement in roles was a significant element of the findings. Sense of self and sense of social fit were identified as major elements that informed participants' perceptions of control. The findings support the notion that people with chronic illness are active and knowledgeable participants in health care. Moreover, they demonstrate that people with chronic illness work in tandem with significant role partners to constantly maintain valued partnerships through occupational role performance as the disease progresses"--Page 4 of cover.