OTHER ISSUES IN CHRONIC ILLNESS AND DISABILITY

• Self-Concept
• Self-Esteem
• Body image
• Stigma
• Self-concept is an idea we have about who we are—physically, emotionally, socially,
spiritually, etc. (Neill, 2005). We form and regulate our self-concept as we grow. Self
Concept is a belief one holds about oneself & responses of others.
• According to Carl Rogers there are three components of self-concept:
• Self-esteem,
• self-image &
• ideal self
• Self-image has been defined as the "total subjective perception of oneself, including an image of
one's body and impressions of one's personality, capabilities, and so on (another term for self-
concept)."Several other psychologists have said that one's self-image is one's mental picture, one's
physical appearance, and the integration of one's experiences, desires, and feelings
14-09-2022 DR. MADHU RAI
Stigma
• Stigma is a significant factor in many chronic illnesses and disabilities. Despite
efforts to create a heightened awareness of the negative impact of prejudice and
stereotypes, and despite changes in social and public policy that have helped to
reduce the stigma associated with chronic illness or disability, it still exists for
many individuals with chronic or disabling conditions.
• Stigma results in discrimination, social isolation, disregard, devaluation, and, in
some instances, threats to safety and well-being. Gender and/or race or ethnic
background can be additional sources of prejudice and subsequent stigma,
causing additional stress and creating additional barriers to effective functioning
(Nosek & Hughes, 2003).
• Stigma can have a profound impact on the ability to regain and maintain
functional capacity and on acceptance of one’s illness or disability.

14-09-2022 DR. MADHU RAI

• Psychological Issues in Chronic Illness and Disability
• Lifestyle Issues in Chronic Illness and Disability
• Vocational Issues in Chronic Illness and Disability
• Social Issues in Chronic Illness and Disability

14-09-2022 DR. MADHU RAI

Continued……Issues in chronic illness &
disability
• For many, strong feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, or shame can lead
to psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, as well as
behavioral problems such as substance abuse or juvenile delinquency.
• Lifestyle comprises daily tasks and activities of daily living within an individual’s environment. It
includes the ability to perform tasks related to grooming, housekeeping, and preparing meals. It
also includes activities related to transportation, daily schedules, rest or activity, recreation,
sexuality, and privacy.
• Social Issues: Chronic illness and disability often lead to changes in social status. Individuals may
find themselves in a socially devalued role. As a result, they may experience changes in social
relationships or interactions, or they may have to limit the number of social activities, all of which
can result in social isolation
• Vocational Issues: At times, individuals with chronic illness or disability may continue to perform
the same work they performed before the onset of the condition.
• At other times, certain work tasks, environmental conditions, or work schedules must be
modified to accommodate the limitations imposed by the chronic illness or disability
14-09-2022 DR. MADHU RAI
THE IMPACT OF UNCERTAINTY
• Uncertainty in the lives of individuals with chronic illness and disability can exist
for a variety of reasons, but it is often related to concerns about an unknown
future, erratic symptoms, the unpredictability of the progression of the disease,
or ambiguous symptoms.
• Some chronic illnesses and disabilities have an immediate and permanent impact
on functional capacity, whereas in others the course of the illness or disability is
more variable.
• Deterioration may occur slowly over the span of several years or rapidly within
months. Some conditions have periods of remission, when symptoms become
less noticeable or almost nonexistent, only to be followed by periods of
unpredictable exacerbation, when symptoms become worse.
• Uncertainty of prognosis or progression of the condition can make planning and
prediction of the future difficult
14-09-2022 DR. MADHU RAI
SEXUALITY

• Each person has a need for intimacy, physical contact, and love.
• Chronic illness or disability can have many effects on sexuality and can influence
all phases of sexual response (McInnes, 2003).
• The expression of sexual urges is one form of sexuality. Chronic illness or disability
can affect sexual expression because of physical limitations, depression, lack of
energy, pain, alterations in self-image, or the reactions of others.
• Regardless of the type of limitations associated with chronic illness or disability,
sexual expression continues to be an important function that should be
addressed (McBride & Rines, 2000).

14-09-2022 DR. MADHU RAI