Social Constructions and Living with Chronic Illnesses' Flashcards
What is Social Constructionism?
a conceptional framework that emphasises the cultural and historical aspects
What are 6 Pros of Using the Internet for Medical Reasons.
- help patient understand
- help patient connect to others
- self-efficacy
- remove transport and geographical barriers
- provide anonymity
- early detection
What are 4 Cons of Using the Internet.
- incorrect self-diagnosis
- scare-monging
- internet trolls
- non evidence-based info
What is a Positive Way to Deal with Internet Issues and a negative way?
patient-centered relationship - collaborate in obtaining and analysing information
health professional centred relationship - defensive responses
Describe the Sick Role, describe the Function, the Rights, Obligations and Stigmas.
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
What Particular Disease has Stigma?
HIV/AIDS
- given a stereotypical identity
- have to constantly work to show the true definition of them
Define Illness
the subjective state which is being experienced by an individual
Define Disease
a pathological condition recognised by indications agreed among biological practitioners
Define Chronic Disease
long term health conditions and non-communicable disease
What Associations are there in Regards to Health, with those from Lower Socio-Economic Status?
- early disability
- low life expectancy
- more prevalence and severity of chronic illness
- more co-morbidities
What Statement does Parsons Agree with?
a failure for a sick person to meet obligations, should equal to a loss of their rights
Why can Parsons be Criticised?
- 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
What are the 5 Strategies for how Patients Deal With Chronic Illnesses?
- denial
- avoidance
- normalising
- accomodation
- resignation
Describe Normalising, its Pros and Cons.
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’
Describe Denial, its Pros and Cons.
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
Describe Avoidance, its Pros and Cons.
avoid situations which exacerbate symptoms
pros
- help patient cope with symptoms in the short term or avoid triggers
cons
- can be maladaptive - adjusting inappropriately
Describe Resignation, its Pros and Cons.
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
Describe Accommodation, its Pros and Cons.
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
Why is this Relevant to Dentists?
have to be aware of medical and psychological consequences of their disease
number of patients with these effects are increasing
