Certain shifts in the marital relationship must be made in the face of chronic illness in order for it to survive.  Some coping strategies are unhealthy, and partners must adapt their coping strategies to be more congruent with each other in order to preserve the marriage.  Otherwise, the coping strategies of one partner might inhibit those of the other partner.

Coping with chronic illness as a couple

A style of coping that involves the management of emotional distress. These coping styles tend to be unhealthy, but there are some examples, like turning to religion, that are healthy in situations in which one has no control.

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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

- Meaning-making coping model
- Emotion-focused coping
- Problem-focused coping 
- Transactional model of stress and coping 
- Dual process model of loss 


Coping Models/Strategies

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

A style of coping that involves performing an action to mitigate the problem at hand.

Problem-focused coping

Emotion-focused coping

When people experience painful or stressful situations, they attempt to cope by reinterpreting what's happening and search for a new positive understanding. A person will have to reassess their expectations in order to adjust to new situations.

Meaning-making coping model 

A model that proposes that one's ability to deal with and adapt to issues/stressors is a result of the coping strategies that were used. 

Transactional model of stress and coping 

When a person oscillates between different states of grief. 

Dual process model of loss

Problem-focused coping is a strategy that involves actively trying to alter or manage the source of stress. This approach is similar to everyday problem-solving and is most likely to be employed when individuals perceive the stressor as controllable.

Problem-Focused Coping and Controllable Stressors

Emotion-focused coping consists of efforts to reduce or manage the negative emotional responses associated with stress, rather than changing the stressor itself. This approach is more likely to be used when individuals believe they are powerless to change the stressful situation, making it particularly effective for dealing with uncontrollable stressors.

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