Eight Key Areas in Need of In-Depth Examination in the Field of Psychosocial Adaptation to Chronic Illness and Disability

Abstract

The primary aim of this brief paper is to suggest fertile research areas that could serve to both navigate and enrich our understanding of psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability (PACID). More specifically, the paper seeks to outline broadly, for future consideration, eight such areas that span a wide range of theoretical and research venues. Included are, first, PACID-associated domains based on concepts that may be regarded as predictors, as well as moderators and mediators, of PACID. These include concepts such as duration of CID, level of existing psychological energy (e.g., motivation, vigor), presence of denial, and the influence of early-in-life, single, and cumulative traumatic events. Second, consideration of concepts embedded in the adaptation process itself is offered, including personal perceptions and beliefs about CID impact, such as illness intrusion and self-identity; the nature and unfolding of personal growth following onset of CID; and more generally, the inherent veracity of models advocating imminent psychological growth following traumatic experiences, including the onset of CID.