- Depressed mood
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Loss of self-esteem
- Decrease in physical and social activities
- Feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness

Impacts of chronic illness on the ill spouse

- Stress
- Financial strain
- Additional care-taking responsibilities
- Loss of sexual intimacy
- Increased risk for emotional and physical disorders
- Decrease in social activity, leading to a sense of isolation
- Feelings of guilt, anxiety, frustration, depression, fatigue, etc.
- Burnout
- Overinvolvement

Impacts of chronic illness on the well spouse

The impacts of chronic illness on each partner can interact to place strain on the relationship.  For example, if one spouse has COPD, the resulting lack of oxygenation to the brain can result in changes in perception of one's spouse, which can lead to isolation and/or conflict.  This can increase the risk for health problems in the well spouse.

Impacts of chronic illness on marriage

Chronic illness affects both partners (the ill spouse and the well spouse) in a relationship in a variety of ways, and sometimes interactively.

Grand Valley State University

Due to the changes and stress associated with Chronic Illness, the patient is biologically and psychologically effected. This will also effect their environment and the people around them. 

Psychosocial Impacts of Chronic Illness

Cannon, C. A., & Cavanaugh, J. C. (1998). Chronic illness in the context of marriage: A systems perspective of stress and coping in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Families, Systems, & Health, 16(4), 401-418. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0089865

Chronic illness in the context of marriage: A systems perspective of stress and coping in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

- Physical: pain and alienation
- Psychological: loneliness, loss, anxiety, self-esteem
- Social changes: reduction of personal relationships and productivity in society

Short Term Impacts of Chronic Illness

These consequences impose a greater threat than the short term impacts, possibly effecting the ability to love and work. Therefore being able to function properly as an active participant in society. This heightens the need for intervention.

Longterm Impacts of Chronic Illness

The effect on the Family or Caregiver is closely linked with the patients ability to adjust following the diagnosis. Communication strategies also have to be formed. Feelings of anger, disbelief, and shock are linked with poor adjustment.

Impacts of Chronic Illness on Families or Caregivers

There is a need for education and training for psychologists to be able to provide adequate intervention. Also implementing new strategies like creating a list of symptoms relating to chronic illness for psychologists to refer to.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After