Psychosocial Adaptation to Chronic Illness and Disability: A Primer for Counselors

Abstract

In this article, the authors discuss 3 broad domains of psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability. These include the dynamics (basic concepts, psychosocial responses, and coping strategies) typically associated with the process of adaptation to disabling conditions, assessment of adaptation as evidenced by 6 commonly used measures, and intervention strategies applied to facilitating coping with and adaptation to chronic illness and disability.

Aging with Diabetes: Sense of Coherence and Satisfaction with Life in European Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

“…According to Collingwood (2012), it is not surprising that those with serious health problems score lower on 'meaningfulness'. Furthermore, the feelings of loss and grief triggered by the mourning process, related to the crises experienced by the onset of a traumatic or progressive chronic disease (Livneh & Antonak, 2005), might explain this last outcome. Meanwhile, as expected, the highest mean of SOC and SWL was found in the 'no diabetes' group of patients, as this is the group who needs the least to develop better resilience to overcome health challenges and increase mobilization of therapeutic resources (Langeland et al, 2007).…”

“…Unlike the sorrow associated with non-bodily losses, chronic diseases serves as a constant reminder of the permanency of the condition. Furthermore, health events on a daily basis, remind the patient of the enduring discrepancy between past and present or future situations (Livneh & Antonak, 2005). In order to overcome such challenges, a high SOC has been identified as a strong determinant of positive health and successful coping and has been associated with health-related quality of life and well-being (Dragaset et al, 2008).…”

Loss, adaptation and new directions: The impact of arm morbidity on leisure activities following breast cancer

“…Health professionals, including nurses, occupational and physical therapists, should be forthcoming with advice about potential adjustments women may need to make to accommodate these changes with the goal of enabling meaningful leisure participation, as well as the beneficial changes in perspectives and values (Silver & Gilchrist, 2011). Further, nursing administrators may be positioned to promote access to comprehensive, person-centred, psychosocial and behavioural management and rehabilitation programs, which are needed to address the multiple and varied needs of women with arm morbidity after breast cancer (Davies & Batehup, 2010;Hack et al, 2010;Quinlan et al, 2011) within the broader context of new understandings of the impact of chronic illness and disability (Livneh & Antonak, 2005). Components of such programs could include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, spiritual care, intimacy counselling, and nutritional counselling, as part of cancer survivorship care.…”

Siblings of a Child with a Serious Disease: Educational Family Guidelines for Developing the Emotional Health of This Minority Group

“…Therefore, it is necessary to express these feeling through words. When parents do not communicate with their children in an attempt to hide their feelings, silence becomes part of the family dynamics [13]. To the eyes of the healthy children, the illness becomes a secret or taboo; as a result, the facial expressions and the indiscreet questions and comments lead these children to concentrate only on themselves, becoming isolated from the outside world.…”