Sociological Approaches To Chronic Illness Flashcards
Describe the biomedical model
It is the view that health is the freedom from disease, pain or defect. It focuses on physical/biological processes and does not take into account the role of social factors or individual subjectivity.
Describe the biopsychosocial model
This model attributes disease outcome to multiple factors including biological, psychological and social
According to the biomedical model, does the patient have responsibility for their health?
No, they cant be blamed for conditions as they are caused by things largely out of their control.
According to the biomedical model, how should illness be treated and who is responsible for this?
With interventions in drugs and the medical professionals are responsible
According to the biomedical model, what is the role of psychology in health and illness?
Little role, except for illness for perhaps depression.
It is believed that there is no relationship between psychological factors and the onset of ill-health
According to the biopsychosocial model, is the patient responsible for their health?
Yes to some extend because health and illness is seen as a consequence of a variety of factors including lifestyle. So the patient is no longer a passive victim
According to the biopsychosocial model, how should illness be treated and who is responsible for this?
It should be aimed at the whole person not just the physical changes that have occurred and the responsibility should be shared between doctor and pt
According to the biopsychosocial model, what is the role of psychology in health and illness?
Very important as they psychological factors are not just seen as a consequence of illness, they may also have a casual influence
According to sociological theories of chronic illness, what are the 5 different types of ‘work’?
Illness Everyday life Emotional Biographical Identity
What is illness work?
dealing with the physical manifestation of illness and how an individuals self conception changes as a result of living with their condition
Give some examples of illness work
- undergoing multiple tests
- encountering uncertainty (ie diagnosis of condition where there is no clear explanation)
- addressing issues with eating, bathing, going to the bathroom etc
- dealing with emotional impacts (a change in personal relationships)
What is everyday work?
Managing daily living
Refers to the actions and processes involved in managing the condition and its impact.
Give an example of everyday work
- decisions about mobilisation of resources
- balancing demands of others and remaining independent
- attempting to minimise or disguise presentation of symptoms
What is identity work?
Work to maintain an acceptable identity
Refers to the establishment and maintenance of an acceptable identity
Give an example of identity work
- managing the actual and imagined reactions of others
- presentation of one’s self to avoid stigma (ie continuing to walk without the aid of a walking stick despite it making things worse)
- not sharing some or all aspects of one’s illness due to fear of being treated differently (ie withholding information about current/past medical history with employer)
