Illness as adjustment: a methodology and conceptual framework

Abstract

This paper describes a method for studying individual adjustment to illness. The methodology draws upon the conceptual framework offered by Herzlich (1973) and defines four modalities of adjustment -accommodation, active-denial, secondary gain and resignation. The relevance of these modalities for understanding how people come to terms with illness is indicated with reference to a variety of studies of chronic illness describing such adjustments. The technique, which invites free responses to a series of questions, engages responctents on a number of issues which have been designated salient in the literature on illness behaviour and is intended to be used (a) to distinguish between individuals in their adaptation to their condition, and (b) to relate personal experience of iUne^ to changing sodal situations and relationshii^. TTie methodology is offered as a way of de«:ribing, within a sii^e conceptual scheme, the ways in which incttviduals resolve the dual demands of bodily change and of cultural constraint during chronic illness.

Investigating the ways that older people cope with dementia: A qualitative study

“…For example, continuity/ discontinuity and the integration of disease with the self have been found in chronic illness (Charmaz, 1987;Leventhal & Nerenz, 1980). Radley and Green's (1987) four types of coping (active denial, resignation, accommodation to the condition, and secondary gain) are also represented in these themes. Managing the self and making meaning are recurrent themes in literature on coping in later life (e.g.…”

Extinguishing the social?: state sponsored self‐care policy and the Chronic Disease Self‐management Programme

“…In this context self-management refers to a sense of coherence that individuals are able to maintain in the face of their condition and the notion of a self-management strategy refers to the practical steps taken to mobilize resources and minimize problems in everyday life (Locker, 1983). Self-management style denotes the various symbolic ways in which people respond to and represent their illness, both to themselves and others (Radley & Green, 1987). Neither style nor strategy will be the same for every person with a chronic disabling condition.…”

Damages and rewards: assessment of malingered disorders in compensation cases

“…fraudulently obtaining an unwarranted financial settlement). Radley and Green (1987) provide an important conceptual framework for understanding adjustment to chronic conditions. Beyond any deliberate efforts to prolong their disabilities, clients can adopt two adjustment styles that may have profound implications for subsequent interventions.…”