A Dyadic Approach: Applying a Developmental-Conceptual Model to Couples Coping With Chronic Illness. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Checton, Maria G.; Magsamen-Conrad, Kate; Venetis, Maria K.; Greene, Kathryn
• Is Part Of: Health education & behavior. Volume 42:Number 2(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 267
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: cancer -- chronic illness -- coping -- dyadic coping -- illness appraisal -- support; Health education -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1090198114557121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-1981

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to apply Berg and Upchurch's developmental-conceptual model toward a better understanding of how couples cope with chronic illness. Specifically, a model was hypothesized in which proximal factors (relational quality), dyadic appraisal (illness interference), and dyadic coping (partner support) influence adjustment (health condition management). The study was cross-sectional and included 308 dyads in which one partner has a chronic health condition. The actor partner interdependence model shows how congruence and noncongruence in relational quality, dyadic appraisal, and dyadic coping influence dyadic adjustment.