Abstract
We present a theory of communal coping that describes an optimal pathway to patient adjustment among couples in which one person faces a chronic illness. Communal coping consists of a shared illness appraisal (i.e., person perceives illness as a joint rather than individual problem) and collaboration with a partner to manage the illness. We present a model of the communal coping process that links patient and partner shared illness appraisals to collaboration and a set of supportive interactions that might be reframed as collaboration in the presence of shared illness appraisals. We then outline a model that identifies potential antecedents of communal coping and mechanisms that link communal coping to patient illness adjustment (i.e., enhanced psychological well-being, improved health behaviors, better physical health) and partner psychological well-being. We review the empirical evidence for this model and conclude by identifying several moderator variables, noting potential limitations, and outlining future research directions.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 170-195 |
Number of pages | 26 |
Journal | Personality and Social Psychology Review |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- close relationships
- health
- well-being
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology