Boosting Strategies: Enhancing the Self-Esteem of Individuals With Catastrophic Illnesses and Injuries

Social comparisons and chronic illness: research synthesis and clinical implications

The chronically ill patient must adjust to new life circumstances and manage ongoing threats to personal health. Patients often make comparisons with each other, which can have effects on their psychological and physical well-being. One question is whether health psychologists can develop interventions to strategically facilitate the use of such comparisons to optimise adjustment. This paper critically reviews evidence on patients' comparisons in studies using selection, narration and reaction methods. Discussion focuses on gaps in the empirical literature and describes some new basic concepts in social comparison, which may advance knowledge about the process in medical patients. Recommendations also are provided about the kinds of studies needed to inform the future design of effective social comparison interventions.

Nurses' experience of adjusting to workplace violence: a theory of adaptation

Workplace violence directed at nurses working in both the mental health and general areas of the hospital is a common occurrence and the impact of these events on all parties may be severe. A consequence of these confronting situations is the possibility that nurse victims will leave the profession. To help administrators facilitate nurses' psychological recovery, this qualitative study identified how nurses in several areas of a hospital setting adapted to workplace violence, research which has been previously unexamined. This study was the first of its kind to use a theory of cognitive adaptation to explore nurses' experiences of workplace violence. Participants were found to use the cognitive processes of finding meaning, gaining mastery and enhancing the self to adapt to workplace violence. Critical incident debriefing may facilitate the nurse victim's psychological recovery following an episode of workplace violence.

The impact of thyroid eye disease upon patients' wellbeing: a qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies using quality of life (QoL) questionnaires have shown poor QoL in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). However, predetermined questionnaires limit in-depth investigation of psychosocial and emotional effects of TED. A qualitative approach allows detailed exploration of patients' perceptions of wellbeing and can capture their lived experiences.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the experience of living and coping with TED.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

A qualitative study involving individual, tape-recorded, semistructured interviews with 25 participants with TED (20 female subjects, median age 54 years, range 28-90 years). Thematic content analysis identified themes, from which theoretical interpretations were formed.

RESULTS

Three key themes were identified: (1) development of an altered identity as a result of changes in appearance, abilities and roles due to physical consequences of TED. This was described in the context of life before and after TED; (2) creation of coping strategies including denial, social avoidance, adjustment and stoicism; (3) difficult interactions with healthcare practitioners due to uncertainty surrounding the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment choices, resulting in patients' disengagement, anger and frustration.

CONCLUSION

This qualitative study has identified the phenomenon of an altered identity due to direct consequences of TED that impact upon patients' wellbeing, coping strategies and interactions with healthcare professionals.