Coping with chronic illness Flashcards
WHO definition of a chronic illness
disease of long duration and slow progression
includes diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory illnesses, rheumatoid arthritis, LBP
impact of chronic illness
focus on management rather than cure
problems with adjustment and coping
balance demands of illness with demands of everyday life
issue of multi morbidity
main stressors in chronic illness
symptoms
consultation
investigations
diagnosis
treatment
interference with life
chronic illness brings about changes to which adjustments need to be made
what is coping
cognitive and behavioural efforts to manage external and or internal demands that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of the person
4 subcategories of living with chronic illness
disavowal
false normality
the new normal
disruption
disavowal
experience of lack of control and normality
false normality
experience of partial control
could be long-standing but not sustainable
new normal
acceptance is achieved
less vulnerable to distress
disruption
exposure to stressful situation
coping skills
problem focused
emotion focused
appraisal focused
problem focused coping skills
related to what one does about the stressor
taking medication or seeking medical advice
emotion focused coping skills
related to what one does about ones reactions to the stressor
emotional acceptance, seek psychological advice, vent negative feelings and substance abuse
appraisal focused coping skills
centres on how one understands and appraises the stressful situation
logical analyses and mental preparation wishful thinking and denial
4 main types of coping styles
approach
reappraisal
emotional regulation
avoidance
examples of strategies of an approach coping style
taking medication
seeking advice
seeking information about the problem
examples of strategies of an avoidance coping style
wishful thinking
alcohol or drug use
denial
avoidance
best strategy for coping
matching stressor and strategy
controllable is problem focused
not controllable is emotion focused
predictors of coping
timing of illness
resources: external and internal
external resources
social contact
availability of social support
sources and types of external support
social context
additional sources of life stress
availability of social support
perceived quality of social support more important Than the size of the social network
sources and types of external support
social companionship
professional support
emotional support, someone to talk to
informational support
instrumental support
internal resources
learned helplessness associated with attributions
if cause of illness is seen as external, global, stable
depression and lowered self esteem
locus of control, internal or external
self efficacy
religion or faith
social skills
prior experience
how could coping skills be learned
ACT
CBT
stages of adjusting to chronic illness
non linear
adaptation/adjustment
response shift
growth/meaning making
integration
adaptation/ adjustment
illness related and general Tasks
adaptation/ adjustment illness related
living with symptoms and pain
learning about treatment and management
relationships with health care professionals
adaptation/ adjustment general tasks
managing social and emotional consequences
preserving self-image competece and mastery
preparing for an uncertain future
adjusting to chronic illness brings about change in what
role/identity illness requires altering identity
functioning/isolation
social support
future
adjustment to chronic illness is complicated by
limited experience
decisions needed quickly
unpredictability and uncertainty
meaning/implications
additional, external stressors
response shift
change in perspective and priorities in life
realign goals to fit with new situation
growth meaning/making
fining positive changes as a result of their illness
self-management
lifestyle changes more difficult to make than changes that are illness specific
patients may not see immediate benefits
must be part of patients normal daily life
