Addressing loss of control in chronic illness: Theory and practice

Author(s): Koocher, G. P.

Journal/Book: Psychotherapy. 1998; 35: 3900 E Camelback Rd #200, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA. Amer Psychological Assoc, Div Psychotherapy. 325-335.

Abstract: Loss of control is a common and often overwhelming source of psychological stress among patients and family members confronting chronic or life-threatening illness. By understanding how loss of control undermines personal coping, the clinician can craft intervention strategies to help restore a sense of self-efficacy and control. Medical crisis counseling provides a useful model for applying short-term interventions in the face of long-term illness. Illustrative examples are used to demonstrate the clinical utility of focusing on control loss as a key theme in psychotherapeutic work with chronically ill patients.

Note: Article Williams J, Harvard Univ, Sch Med, Linda Pollin Inst, Wolbach Bldg, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston,MA 02115 USA

Keyword(s): HEALTH LOCUS; PERCEIVED CONTROL; CYSTIC-FIBROSIS; CONTROL BELIEFS; ADJUSTMENT; CANCER; PAIN

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