5 Living with Chronic Illness Free Online FlashCards

What is a chronic illness?

A chronic illness is a health condition that requires ongoing attention and may affect symptoms, abilities, relationships, work, and daily routines.

What is psychological adjustment to illness?

Adjustment is the continuing process of responding to illness and fitting its demands into a meaningful life.

What is problem-focused coping?

Problem-focused coping addresses a manageable challenge, such as planning medication reminders or asking a clinician about a new symptom.

What is self-management in chronic illness?

Self-management is the skills and decisions used, often with support, to manage symptoms, treatment, daily roles, and emotional effects.

What makes social support helpful for self-management?

Support is most helpful when it respects the person’s preferences and autonomy; unwanted help can interfere with independent self-management.

What is quality of life?

Quality of life is a person’s perception of their position in life in the context of their culture, values, goals, expectations, and concerns.

Why can the effects of chronic illness change over time?

Its effects differ among individuals and can change with symptoms, treatment, life circumstances, or available support.

What does a chronic illness diagnosis determine about a person’s identity?

A diagnosis does not determine a person’s identity or quality of life.

Does adjustment to chronic illness follow fixed stages?

No. Adjustment does not follow a fixed sequence of stages; difficult feelings may return during a flare, treatment change, or new limitation.

What is emotion-focused coping?

Emotion-focused coping helps manage distress, for example through trusted conversation, relaxation, or meaning in valued activities.

What can self-management involve beyond following instructions?

It can include learning about the condition, monitoring symptoms, planning, communicating with clinicians, and adapting routines to personal goals.

What are examples of asthma self-management?

A person might track symptoms, follow an agreed treatment plan, and discuss symptom patterns with a clinician.