Coping with Long-term Conditions

Question 1

Psychological demands of diagnosis

Answer 1

Shock
Encounter reaction - anger, anxiety
Retreat - denial of influence and implications
Reality intrudes

Question 2

Factors that may modify impact of illness

Answer 2

1. External factors: stability, prognosis, physical impairment, pain
2. Patient factors: age, gender, social class, psychological resources, self-blame
3. Social factors: social support, environment, health care

Question 3

Coping strategies

Answer 3

Problem focused

Emotion focused

Question 4

Problem focused

Answer 4

Reduce demands/expand resources

eg. Adapt home, learning skills, change career

Question 5

Emotion focused

Answer 5

Manage/minimise emotional response

Eg. Denial, avoidance, alcohol, emotional support, positive reframing

Question 6

What else may affect the impact of illness

Answer 6

Emotional regulation and adjustment

1. Avoidance and inhibition
2. Acceptance and expression