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Cipolletta S. Understanding Illness Experience from the Perspective and Practice of Personal Construct Psychology. JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIVIST PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2020.1805072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Yahalom J. Social Factors of Health-Seeking Behavior: On Medical Treatment for Elders With Dementia in Oaxaca, Mexico. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0022167819899591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article presents data on family caregiving for elders with dementia in Oaxaca, Mexico. Drawing on a year of ethnographic research, this article explores how caregivers engage in health-seeking behaviors and how they choose between biomedical and traditional medical alternatives. While caregivers are primarily concerned to maintain elders’ health, decisions about which medical providers to (not) consult invoke broader social factors that go beyond their relationships with elders, and concern socioeconomic realms of power, as well as broader ideals concerning local tradition and its maintenance in the contemporary world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Yahalom
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Furness PJ, Vogt K, Ashe S, Taylor S, Haywood-Small S, Lawson K. What causes fibromyalgia? An online survey of patient perspectives. Health Psychol Open 2018; 5:2055102918802683. [PMID: 30275965 PMCID: PMC6158621 DOI: 10.1177/2055102918802683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a severe chronic pain condition that affects every aspect of life. Causes of the condition remain unclear, and quantitative research cannot account for patients' personal illness narratives and perceptions. This online survey gathered qualitative accounts of the perceived causes of their condition from 596 people with fibromyalgia, which were analyzed thematically. Themes were "Bodily assault, ill-health, and change"; "Emotional trauma and distress"; "Stress and vulnerability"; and "Explaining and authenticating fibromyalgia." Discussion focuses on the complexity of causation, the importance of understanding and having symptoms validated, and the potential for benefiting from patient expertise in building better practitioner-client relationships.
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Cipolletta S, Gammino GR, Palmieri A. Illness trajectories in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: How illness progression is related to life narratives and interpersonal relationships. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26:5033-5043. [PMID: 28793379 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To identify illness trajectories in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by analysing personal, social and functional dimensions related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression. BACKGROUND Previous studies have considered some psychological distinct variables that may moderate illness progression, but no research has combined an extensive qualitative understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients' psychological characteristics and illness progression. DESIGN A mixed-methods approach was used to combine quantitative and qualitative measures. Illness progression was assessed through a longitudinal design. METHODS Eighteen patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis attending a Neurology Department in northern Italy participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews to explore personal experience, and dependency grids to assess the distribution of dependency; ALSFRS-R and neuropsychological screening were, respectively, used to measure physical and cognitive impairment. To assess the progression of the disease, ALSFRS-R was re-administered after 8 months and mortality rate was considered. Data were analysed using the grounded theory approach. RESULTS Illness progression changed according to the perception of the disease, the trust placed in medical care, self-construction and the distribution of dependency. Based on these categories, cases that had similar experiences were grouped, and four illness trajectories were identified: aggressiveness, threat, constriction and guilt. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that it is possible to identify different illness trajectories in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Personalised intervention strategies may be construed based on the different trajectories identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arianna Palmieri
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Segura-Valverde M, Saúl LA, Baca-García E. The Body Grid as an Assessment Tool for Body Image. JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIVIST PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2017.1320244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Segura-Valverde
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Jiménez Díaz Foundation, IIS-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis A. Saúl
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, National Distance Education University (UNED), Spain
| | - Enrique Baca-García
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Jiménez Díaz Foundation, IIS-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, Madrid, Spain
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Cipolletta S, Mocellin D. Online counseling: An exploratory survey of Italian psychologists’ attitudes towards new ways of interaction. Psychother Res 2017; 28:909-924. [DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2016.1259533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Cipolletta
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Generale, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Damiano Mocellin
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Generale, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Cipolletta S. When childbirth becomes a tragedy: What is the role of hospital organization? J Health Psychol 2016; 23:971-981. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105316660182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this autoethnographic study, I analyse my birthing event, in order to point out some relevant cultural aspects of the experience. I explore the role of expectations, childbirth place, medicalization and relationships with healthcare professionals and partner. My experience and the analysis of the context where childbirth takes place leads to the conclusion that hospital organization is central to women’s experiences of giving birth, but the hospital culture is still too centred on the security that medical interventions guarantee, relegating people to a passive position. Health services should address personal agency, in order to guarantee more respectful childbirth care.
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Castelnuovo G, Giusti EM, Manzoni GM, Saviola D, Gatti A, Gabrielli S, Lacerenza M, Pietrabissa G, Cattivelli R, Spatola CAM, Corti S, Novelli M, Villa V, Cottini A, Lai C, Pagnini F, Castelli L, Tavola M, Torta R, Arreghini M, Zanini L, Brunani A, Capodaglio P, D'Aniello GE, Scarpina F, Brioschi A, Priano L, Mauro A, Riva G, Repetto C, Regalia C, Molinari E, Notaro P, Paolucci S, Sandrini G, Simpson SG, Wiederhold B, Tamburin S. Psychological Considerations in the Assessment and Treatment of Pain in Neurorehabilitation and Psychological Factors Predictive of Therapeutic Response: Evidence and Recommendations from the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation. Front Psychol 2016; 7:468. [PMID: 27148104 PMCID: PMC4835496 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In order to provide effective care to patients suffering from chronic pain secondary to neurological diseases, health professionals must appraise the role of the psychosocial factors in the genesis and maintenance of this condition whilst considering how emotions and cognitions influence the course of treatment. Furthermore, it is important not only to recognize the psychological reactions to pain that are common to the various conditions, but also to evaluate how these syndromes differ with regards to the psychological factors that may be involved. As an extensive evaluation of these factors is still lacking, the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation (ICCPN) aimed to collate the evidence available across these topics. Objectives: To determine the psychological factors which are associated with or predictive of pain secondary to neurological conditions and to assess the influence of these aspects on the outcome of neurorehabilitation. Methods: Two reviews were performed. In the first, a PUBMED search of the studies assessing the association between psychological factors and pain or the predictive value of these aspects with respect to chronic pain was conducted. The included papers were then rated with regards to their methodological quality and recommendations were made accordingly. In the second study, the same methodology was used to collect the available evidence on the predictive role of psychological factors on the therapeutic response to pain treatments in the setting of neurorehabilitation. Results: The first literature search identified 1170 results and the final database included 189 articles. Factors such as depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, coping strategies, and cognitive functions were found to be associated with pain across the various conditions. However, there are differences between chronic musculoskeletal pain, migraine, neuropathy, and conditions associated with complex disability with regards to the psychological aspects that are involved. The second PUBMED search yielded 252 studies, which were all evaluated. Anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, coping strategies, and pain beliefs were found to be associated to different degrees with the outcomes of multidisciplinary programs, surgery, physical therapies, and psychological interventions. Finally, sense of presence was found to be related to the effectiveness of virtual reality as a distraction tool. Conclusions: Several psychological factors are associated with pain secondary to neurological conditions and should be acknowledged and addressed in order to effectively treat this condition. These factors also predict the therapeutic response to the neurorehabilitative interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | | | - Gian Mauro Manzoni
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy; Faculty of Psychology, eCampus UniversityNovedrate, Italy
| | - Donatella Saviola
- Cardinal Ferrari Rehabilitation Center, Santo Stefano Rehabilitation Istitute Fontanellato, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Chiara A M Spatola
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Margherita Novelli
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Valentina Villa
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of MilanMilan, Italy; Department of Psychology, Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lorys Castelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin Turin, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Torta
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Arreghini
- Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Loredana Zanini
- Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Amelia Brunani
- Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Paolo Capodaglio
- Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Guido E D'Aniello
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Federica Scarpina
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy; Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of TurinTurin, Italy
| | - Andrea Brioschi
- Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital Verbania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Priano
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of TurinTurin, Italy; Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of TurinTurin, Italy; Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Claudia Repetto
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Camillo Regalia
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Molinari
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Giuseppe HospitalVerbania, Italy; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Paolo Notaro
- "Pain Center II Level - Department of Surgery" - ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda Milano, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Sandrini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
| | - Susan G Simpson
- School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia Magill, SA, Australia
| | | | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona Verona, Italy
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Gammino GR, Faccio E, Cipolletta S. Sexual Assistance in Italy: An Explorative Study on the Opinions of People with Disabilities and Would-Be Assistants. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-016-9435-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Calsius J, De Bie J, Hertogen R, Meesen R. Touching the Lived Body in Patients with Medically Unexplained Symptoms. How an Integration of Hands-on Bodywork and Body Awareness in Psychotherapy may Help People with Alexithymia. Front Psychol 2016; 7:253. [PMID: 26973560 PMCID: PMC4770185 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are a considerable presenting problem in general practice. Alexithymia and difficulties with mental elaboration of bodily arousal are hypothesized as a key mechanism in MUS. In turn, this inability influences the embodied being and participating of these patients in the world, which is coined as 'the lived body' and underlies what is mostly referred to as body awareness (BA). The present article explores a more innovative hypothesis how hands-on bodywork can influence BA and serve as a rationale for a body integrated psychotherapeutic approach of MUS. Research not only shows that BA is a bottom-up 'bodily' affair but is anchored in a interoceptive-insular pathway (IIP) which in turn is deeply connected with autonomic and emotional brain areas as well as verbal and non-verbal memory. Moreover, it is emphasized how skin and myofascial tissues should be seen as an interoceptive generator, if approached in the proper manual way. This article offers supportive evidence explaining why a 'haptic' touch activates this IIP, restores the myofascial armored body, helps patients rebalancing their window of tolerance and facilitates BA by contacting their bodily inner-world. From a trans-disciplinary angle this article reflects on how the integration of bodywork with non-directive verbal guidance can be deeply healing and resourcing for the lived body experience in MUS. In particular for alexithymic patients this approach can be of significance regarding their representational failure of bodily arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeri Calsius
- Rehabilitation Research Center - Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Hasselt Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jozef De Bie
- Department of Psychiatry, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg Genk, Belgium
| | | | - Raf Meesen
- Rehabilitation Research Center - Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Hasselt Hasselt, Belgium
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Reheating breakfast: Age and multitasking on a computer-based and a non-computer-based task. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Cipolletta S, Amicucci L. Illness trajectories in patients suffering from leg ulcers: A qualitative study. J Health Psychol 2015; 22:932-942. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105315619224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify illness trajectories in leg ulcers by analysing personal, social and relational dimensions related to leg ulcer onset and to the care process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 patients, one physician and four nurses. Patients’ medical records were also examined. Data were analysed using the grounded theory approach. Four illness trajectories were identified: possibility, denial, focus on illness and tragedy. The findings highlighted that leg ulcers can be experienced in different ways depending on the personal characteristics of the people suffering from them and the kind of relationship that exists between patients and healthcare professionals.
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Family Functioning as a Constituent Aspect of a Child's Chronic Illness. J Pediatr Nurs 2015; 30:e19-28. [PMID: 25682020 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2015.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study explored how family functioning may contribute to trace a child's illness trajectory. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 parents of children in care at a hospice in northern Italy. We also examined the medical records of the children, and interviewed the physician who cared for them. Data analysis was based on the grounded theory approach. Different illness progressions corresponded to the different ways with which families experienced the illness: possibility, focus on illness, denial, and anger. Clinical interventions should involve the whole family and take into account their role in the construction of illness trajectories.
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Pietrabissa G, Ceccarini M, Borrello M, Manzoni GM, Titon A, Nibbio F, Montano M, Bertone G, Gondoni L, Castelnuovo G. Enhancing behavioral change with motivational interviewing: a case study in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit. Front Psychol 2015; 6:298. [PMID: 25852614 PMCID: PMC4364083 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological interventions in cardiac rehabilitation programs appear relevant in as much they significantly contribute to achieve the goals of rehabilitation, to reduce the risk of relapses and to improve patients' adherence to therapy. To this aim, motivational interviewing (MI) has shown promising results in improving motivation to change and individuals' confidence in their ability to do so. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to integrate theory with practice by describing a three-session case scenario. It illustrates how MI's skills and strategies can be used to enhance heart-healthy habits. MI may be synergistic with other treatment approaches and it is used here in conjunction with brief strategic therapy. CONCLUSION By the use of MI principles and techniques, the patient reported an increase in his motivation and ability to change, developing a post discharge plan that incorporates self-care behaviors. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS MI may be effective in motivating and facilitating health behavior change among obese patients suffering from heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Pietrabissa
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, MilanItaly
| | - Martina Ceccarini
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergamo, BergamoItaly
| | - Maria Borrello
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergamo, BergamoItaly
| | - Gian Mauro Manzoni
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, MilanItaly
| | - Annamaria Titon
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
| | - Ferruccio Nibbio
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
| | - Mariella Montano
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
| | - Gianandrea Bertone
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
| | - Luca Gondoni
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, VerbaniaItaly
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, MilanItaly
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Cipolletta S, Amicucci L. The family experience of living with a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a qualitative study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 50:288-94. [PMID: 25043818 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Living with a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex and difficult experience. Most research involves only the primary caregiver and uses a quantitative approach. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of family members who live with ALS patients until their death. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 family members of ALS patients now deceased. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three main themes were identified: "Meaning of ALS," including the peculiarity of ALS and its comparison with other illnesses, the explanation of ALS, emotions, coping strategies, personal change and difficult choices; "Family relationships," including centripetal vs. centrifugal forces, role changes, ALS as a family disease, ALS as a family solution, openness towards the outside world; and "Healthcare context," including access to services, information and humanization. One finding was that families of a person with ALS need more supportive interaction and information during the patients' illness and their end-of-life. This study is an invitation to understand families' experience and subsequently help them to find new ways to cope with the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Amicucci
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Italy
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Bastianelli A, Gius E, Cipolletta S. Changes over time in the quality of life, prolonged grief and family strain of family caregivers of patients in vegetative state: A pilot study. J Health Psychol 2014; 21:844-52. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105314539533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored changes over time and in the internal standards of the quality of life, prolonged grief and family strain of informal caregivers of patients in vegetative state. Data obtained from 52 caregivers showed high levels of prolonged grief and family strain, and low quality of life. A decrease of caregivers’ quality of life and an increase of family strain were found by adopting a response shift procedure. Only prolonged grief did not change during time. Clinical intervention with the caregivers of vegetative state patients should be differentiated on the basis of the duration of the caring experience.
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