''Still stable after all this?'': Temporal comparison in coping with severe and chronic disease

Author(s): Ferring, D., Filipp, S. H.

Journal/Book: Int J Behav Dev. 1998; 22: 27 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2FA, East Sussex, England. Psychology Press. 339-355.

Abstract: Temporal comparison theory is used as a conceptual framework for studying coping with life-threatening illness. Propositions derived from this theory were investigated in a questionnaire study on cancer patients (N = 100). Results reveal high rates of perceived change in the majority of the life domains included in the study, suggesting that consistency could not be maintained in most patients. Furthermore, a disproportion of perceived positive and negative life changes emerged, the latter being more prominent. Change perceptions were related to gender, age, and time elapsed since diagnosis. The relationships between positive and negative change on one hand and adjustment indicators on the other indicated that negative change correlated significantly whereas positive change was not associated with adjustment to illness.

Note: Article Klauer T, Univ Rostock, Fac Med, Clin Psychosomat & Psychotherapy, Gehlsheimer Str 20, D-18147 Rostock, GERMANY

Keyword(s): EVENTS; CONSEQUENCES; ADJUSTMENT; ADULTHOOD; AGE

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