Coping with Illness and Disability

Question 1

What did Auerbach’s study (1983) describe

Answer 1

Study on the effect of information given vs individual desire for information
When patients are given the amount of information they want, the outcome is happier

Patients undergoing a dental extraction are given either general information or specific information regarding the procedure
Patients with a high desire for information experienced less distress when given specific information
Patients with a low desire for information experienced less distress when given general information

Question 2

What did Langer and Rodin’s study (1976) describe

Answer 2

Nursing Home Study
Study on the effect of perceived control on health

There were 2 floors in a nursing home
The residents on one floor were given more choice and independence than the other
The floor given more choice reported greater engagement in activities, had a better general wellbeing and lower 18 month mortality rate

Question 3

What is the effect of perceived control on distress

Answer 3

An increased perceived control decreases distress

Question 4

Define problem focussed coping

Answer 4

efforts directed at changing the environment in some way or changing one’s own actions or attitudes

Question 5

Give examples of problem focussed coping

Answer 5

seeking health information
learning procedures
pacing activity
changing behaviour

Question 6

Define emotion focussed coping

Answer 6

Efforts designed to manage the stress-related emotional responses in order to maintain one’s own morale and allow one to function

Question 7

Give examples of emotion focussed coping

Answer 7

meditation
relaxation techniques
deep-breathing
distraction
praying