Psychological Adjusting Process to Diseases in People with Chronic Illnesses

Lee, Kyoung Soon; Min, Young Choon

doi:2008.17.2.151

J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs > Volume 17(2); 2008 > Article

Original Article

Journal of Korean Academy of psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 2008;17(2):151-160.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2008.17.2.151 Published online June 30, 2008.

Psychological Adjusting Process to Diseases in People with Chronic Illnesses

Kyoung Soon Lee¹, Young Choon Min²

¹Professor, Department of Nursing, Sahmyook University
²Graduate Student, Department of Nursing, Sahmyook University

만성질환자의 심리적 대처 과정 -근거이론적 접근-

이경순¹, 민영춘²

¹삼육대학교 간호학과 교수
²삼육대학교 간호학과 대학원생

Correspondence: Kyoung Soon Lee, Tel: 82-2-3399-1590, Fax: 82-2-3399-1594,
Email: leeks@syu.ac.kr

Received: 18 March 2008 • Revised: 21 May 2008 • Accepted: 26 May 2008

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to generate a grounded substantive theory of the psychological adjusting process to disease in people with chronic illnesses in Korea.
Methods
For this study, the ground ed theory method was utilized. The sample was comprised of 10 individuals with a chronic illness.
Results
According to data analysis, the psychological adjusting process to chronic illnesses was psychological diag nosis shock and chronic process of disease -여 disequilibrium -* powerlessness ■— cognitive transition seeking useful information and sharing suppressed emotions —> getting to know lives. A central phenomen on, powerlessness, emerged from the grounded data. A core category of cognitive transition from negative to positive as a psychological adjusting process to chronic illnesses was identified.
Conclusion
In con clusion, finding excellent coping strategies are needed to adjust to chronic illnesses efficiently, such as, cognitive transition, seeking useful information and sharing suppressed emotions with others. Also, helping people to find meaning in one's own life and to live gratefully is very valuable to adjust to chronic illnesses.

Key Words: Psychological adjusting process; Chronic illnesses; Grounded approach; Qualitative research