Social Constructions and Living with Chronic Illnesses'

Question 1

What is Social Constructionism?

Answer 1

a conceptional framework that emphasises the cultural and historical aspects

Question 2

What are 6 Pros of Using the Internet for Medical Reasons.

Answer 2

• help patient understand
• help patient connect to others
• self-efficacy
• remove transport and geographical barriers
• provide anonymity
• early detection

Question 3

What are 4 Cons of Using the Internet.

Answer 3

• incorrect self-diagnosis
• scare-monging
• internet trolls
• non evidence-based info

Question 4

What is a Positive Way to Deal with Internet Issues and a negative way?

Answer 4

patient-centered relationship - collaborate in obtaining and analysing information

health professional centred relationship - defensive responses

Question 5

Describe the Sick Role, describe the Function, the Rights, Obligations and Stigmas.

Answer 5

the behaviours associated with having an illness

function = a social space for normative sick behaviours

rights:
- temporarily exempt from normal roles
- more severe = more exemption
- to be taken care of
- not held responsible

obligations - to want to get better and return to normal

stigmas:
- invisible diseases are seen as lazy
- secondary gain - take days off work

Question 6

What Particular Disease has Stigma?

Answer 6

HIV/AIDS
- given a stereotypical identity
- have to constantly work to show the true definition of them

Question 7

Define Illness

Answer 7

the subjective state which is being experienced by an individual

Question 8

Define Disease

Answer 8

a pathological condition recognised by indications agreed among biological practitioners

Question 9

Define Chronic Disease

Answer 9

long term health conditions and non-communicable disease

Question 10

What Associations are there in Regards to Health, with those from Lower Socio-Economic Status?

Answer 10

• early disability
• low life expectancy
• more prevalence and severity of chronic illness
• more co-morbidities

Question 11

What Statement does Parsons Agree with?

Answer 11

a failure for a sick person to meet obligations, should equal to a loss of their rights

Question 12

Why can Parsons be Criticised?

Answer 12

• if diseases are difficult to diagnose, they are seen as ‘self-inflicted’ or ‘normal’ so they are not deemed ill AKA get back to ur job = disease stigma and victim blaming
• the responsibility to get better applies to acute conditions and not well to chronic conditions

Question 13

What are the 5 Strategies for how Patients Deal With Chronic Illnesses?

Answer 13

1. denial
2. avoidance
3. normalising
4. accomodation
5. resignation

Question 14

Describe Normalising, its Pros and Cons.

Answer 14

redefines symptoms as part of the normal experience

pros
- helps patient come to terms with symptoms

cons
- may result in failure with treatment if symptoms are ‘normal’

Question 15

Describe Denial, its Pros and Cons.

Answer 15

denying existence of the illness as though it isn’t happening

pros
- help the patient to cope in early stages of diagnosis

cons
- more difficult to treat and plan

Question 16

Describe Avoidance, its Pros and Cons.

Answer 16

avoid situations which exacerbate symptoms

pros
- help patient cope with symptoms in the short term or avoid triggers

cons
- can be maladaptive - adjusting inappropriately

Question 17

Describe Resignation, its Pros and Cons.

Answer 17

total acceptance, the illness becomes the centre of life

pros
- can be an appropriate response

cons
- for less severe illnesses, may render the patient an invalid

Question 18

Describe Accommodation, its Pros and Cons.

Answer 18

patient manages the symptoms, but doesn’t make it the centre

pros
- appropriate for less severe illness
- retain a sense of control in their life

cons
- may not be appropriate for more severe illnesses

Question 19

Why is this Relevant to Dentists?

Answer 19

have to be aware of medical and psychological consequences of their disease

number of patients with these effects are increasing