PSYC 3170 Study Guide - Final Guide: Dean Ornish, Cognitive Restructuring, Thrombolysis

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 3170
• Professor: Krista Trobst

Document Summary

Adjusting to a chronic illness: initial reactions to having a chronic condition. First reaction is usually shock, likely to be more pronounced when the crisis comes without warning, then other emotion strategies like denial occur. After that, reality sets in, symptoms get worse and adjustments need to be made. People use denial to control emotional responses, especially when they believe they can do nothing to change the situation; excessive avoidance is maladaptive: influences on coping with a health crisis. Chronic health problems usually require that patients and families make permanent behavioural, social and emotional adjustments, need major coping efforts. Crisis theory: factors that influence how people adjust, adjustment depends on coping process, which depends on 3 factors (below) Some problems present a greater threat to a person than others, could be more disabling, painful or life-threatening. More threatening will lead to more difficulty with coping.