General

Coping

Using cognitive and behavioural strategies to manage the demands of a stressful situation

Patient's Reactions

Shock, depression, anxiety, and loss of self

Coping Styles

Avoidance, problem-focused, emotion-focused, appraisal-focused, acceptance, religious

Long-Term Adaptation

Need to make changes to adjust to maximise functioning

Better Adaptation

Occurs when an individual has more psychological resources such as coping strategies, self-esteem, and social support

Social Support

Providing assistance or comfort to others to help them cope with something

Types of Social Support

Interpersonal relationships, tangible help, material help, or emotional support

Good Adjustment

Training in coping strategies, social support, psychotherapy, work with illness representations, and self-management programmes

Self-Management Programmes (Lorig et al. 1985)

Led by someone with the illness to increase self-efficacy regarding long-term coping

Quality of Life (QoL)

How an individual sees their life in context with their culture and value systems

Uses of Health-Related QoL

Shows outcomes of treatment, demonstrates more effective ones, which are best for limited resources, and what effect they have on general QoL

Measuring HR QoL

Generic measures, disease-specific, and individualised

Generic Measures of HR QoL

Functional Limitations Profile, SF-36, and WHO QoL subscale

WHO QoL Subscale

A method of comparing an individual's QoL to the WHO's definition

Effects on QoL

Pain, limitation in valued activities, disturbance in personal life goals, depression, and anxiety

Self-Concept

Life roles, capabilities, appearance, energy level, and cognitive function

Terminal Illness

New decisions to make such as surrounding continuing invasive treatment, adjusting to new self-concept, and dealing with personal feelings

Kubler-Ross' (1969) Dying Stages

Denial, anger/resentment/envy, bargaining, depression, and acceptance and decathexis

Decathexis

Letting go or disconnecting from things in present life

Dying Stages Evaluation

Drew attention, introduction, and gives an idea of what they might experience

Post-Traumatic Growth

A positive change that has occurred after dealing with a challenging struggle

P-TG Dimensions

Reveals abilities, strengthens relationships, and changes philosophies and priorities