Weiner and Dodd: theory of illness trajectory

theory of illness trajectory

The uncertainty surrounding a chronic illness like cancer is the uncertainty of life writ large. By listening to those who are tolerating this exaggerated uncertainty, we can learn much about the trajectory of living."

Identity

The conception of self

theory of illness trajectory

The uncertainty surrounding a chronic illness like cancer is the uncertainty of life writ large. By listening to those who are tolerating this exaggerated uncertainty, we can learn much about the trajectory of living."

Identity

The conception of self

Temporality

Biographical time

Body:

 Activities of life, based on the body

Illness

• particularly cancer, disrupts the usual or everyday conception of self

elements of biography:

identity, temporality, and body.

sphere of work

• with whom he or she interacts

total organization:

•  network of players

. Illness-related work:
 Everyday-life work:
Biographical work:
Uncertainty abatement work:

• Types of work : four lines of trajectory

Illness-related work:

Diagnostics, symptom management, care regimen, and crisis prevention

 Everyday-life work

Activities of daily living, keeping a household, maintaining an occupation, sustaining relationships, and recreation

Biographical work:

The exchange of information, emotional expressions, and the division of tasks through interactions within the total organization

Uncertainty abatement work:

Activities enacted to lessen the impact of temporal, body, and identity uncertainty

UNCERTAIN TEMPORALITY:

flow of life events are disrupted . A temporal disjunction in the biography.

UNCERTAIN BODY

 Changes related to illness and treatment are centered in one's ability to perform 

UNCERTAIN IDENTITY

Interpretation of self is distorted as the body fails to perfor

Pacing

Resting or changing usual activities

Becoming "professional" patients:

Using terminology , supermedicalization

Seeking reinforcing comparisons :

Comparing , it is not as bad as it could be

Engaging in reviews

reinterpret emergent symptoms

Setting goals:

Looking toward the future to achieve desired activities

Covering up

 Masking signs of illness , Bucking up to avoid stigma

Finding a safe place to let down

place, supportive atmosphere

Choosing a supportive network

Selective sharing , positive supporters

Taking charge

• Asserting the right odetermine the course of treatment