Developmental and Cross-Cultural Perspectives

Question 1

Early Childhood View of Disease

Answer 1

Simplistic view of causality (magic/proximity/punishment).
Cures must be overt (band aid).
Preoccupied with external aspects of disease (don’t understand internal function).

Question 2

Later Childhood View of Disease

Answer 2

Illness is triggered by an agent (germs).
Cure is something tangible (do something).
Emerging grasp on prevention.

Question 3

Adolescent View of Disease

Answer 3

Illness defined in terms of internal, physiological malfunctioning that is evident in external symptoms.
Better understanding of prevention.

Question 4

Implications of Chronic Illness for Young People

Answer 4

Some issues become easier (knowledge/understanding) and some get harder (peer relationships) as the child ages. Key issues are restrictions, lost school days, future concerns and complex treatment.

Question 5

Chronic Illness and Siblings

Answer 5

Depends on the age of the sibling.
May be jealous of special treatment/attention.
May be restricted in bringing friends home or participating in activities.
May have reduced parental support.

Question 6

Chronic Illness and Peers

Answer 6

CI increases the risk of peer rejection and being singled out. The relationship with peers depends on the severity, treatment and visibility of the CI and the maturity of the peers.

Question 7

Chronic Illness and Family

Answer 7

CI may lead to overprotectiveness from the parents. The family must adapt to new routines and ways of living. Parents may feel guilty if the CI has a genetic cause.

Question 8

Chronic Illness Diagnosis in Young Adults

Answer 8

May limit some choices (career, family). May cause strain for partner and affect relationships. Threat to self-image. Identity change. Return to dependent role.

Question 9

Chronic Illness Diagnosis in Middle Adults

Answer 9

Could alter relationship with children. May have to adjust lifestyle or career choices. Threat to self-image. Identity change.

Question 10

Chronic Illness Diagnosis in Later Adults

Answer 10

Decreased social contact which can compound issues. However, social support tends to be more secure and involve deeper relationships which can help in a chronic illness diagnosis.

Question 11

Culture and Health

Answer 11

Varying conceptions, knowledge and beliefs about health and disease cross culturally. For example, Western = biomedical, Eastern = mind/body/spirit/environment balance (yin/yang).