Files and links (1)
PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Dissertation
Illness parameters and stress processing variables in the psychological adjustment of three chronic illness groups
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2005
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-1316
Abstract
Objectives: The intent of the present study was to extend the literature on risk and resistance models (Thompson et al., 1995; Wallander & Varni, 1992) by examining the relationships among illness conditions (using constructs of Rolland's (1987) Psychosocial Typology model), stress processing factors (appraisals, coping), and quality of life in adolescents with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), and Asthma. It was hypothesized that illness groups would differ on DCF subscales, appraisals, and passive coping; that illness type would moderate the relationship between appraisals and passive coping; and that coping strategies would mediate the association of appraisals with adjustment. Method: Participants consisted of 87 adolescents, 12-18 years old, diagnosed with IDDM (N=30), SCD (N=28), or Asthma (N=29) and their primary caregiver. Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and completed the study either in clinic or during a home visit. Adolescents completed the DCF, Children's Attributional Style Questionnaire, the Children's Hope Scale, the KIDCOPE, and the Miami Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire. Primary caregivers completed a general information form, the DCF, and the Miami Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: Findings suggest that disease characteristics (i.e. onset, course, outcome, and incapacitation) are more important than the disease itself and have a role in perceived disease severity, appraisals, coping, and quality of life (QOL). Illness groups were found to engage in similar levels of appraisals and coping; however, they engage in more negative attributions than healthy peers. Illness type was not a moderating variable in the relationship between appraisals and passive coping. In addition active coping did not mediate the association between positive appraisals and QOL. Internal attributions for positive events and hope were directly associated with QOL. Disease severity differed by informant as well as by illness group and was associated with QOL. Disease specific appraisals differed by illness group and were associated with appraisals, coping, and QOL. Conclusions: The present study provides support for the use of the noncategorical approach (Stein & Jessop, 1982) and risk and resistance models (Thompson et al., 1995; Wallander & Varni, 1992) in adolescents with IDDM, SCD, and Asthma. Disease characteristics and disease severity seem to better mechanisms in understanding appraisals, coping, and quality of life in adolescents with chronic illness than the disease itself.
Metrics
11 File views/ downloads
31 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Illness parameters and stress processing variables in the psychological adjustment of three chronic illness groups
- Creators
- Laurie Ann Irene Lash - DU
- Contributors
- Lamia Barakat (Advisor) - DU
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 1316; 991014632276304721