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Adolescent chronic illness : a qualitative study of psychosocial adjustment

journal contribution
posted on 2003-01-01, 00:00 authored by Craig OlssonCraig Olsson, L Bond, M Johnson, D Forer, M Boyce, S Sawyer
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial issues facing young people living with a chronic medical condition.

Materials and Methods: Subjects were young people with a range of medical conditions who were on a waiting list to participate in the Chronic Illness Peer Support programme at the Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Young people agreed to in-depth interviews which were taped and transcribed. Thematic analysis was undertaken by two researchers working independently.

Results: Thirty-five young people were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed five broad themes: control (in control, under control, out of control); emotional reactions (happiness, frustration, anger, sadness, anxiety); acceptance (of illness, of others, of self); coping strategies, and; a search for meaning. The importance of social connections was emphasised. While illustrating the difficulties of managing a chronic medical condition during adolescence, a generally positive message emerges about these young people.

Conclusions:
Many young people with chronic illness appear relatively resilient in the face of the adjustment challenges presented by their illness. Interventions that allow a young person to explore meaning, build self-esteem, and acceptance through positive social connections are likely to improve adjustment outcomes in this group.

History

Journal

Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore

Volume

32

Issue

1

Pagination

43 - 50

Publisher

Academy of Medicine Singapore

Location

Singapore

ISSN

0304-4602

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2003, Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore