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

Grand Valley State University

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

Chronic illness and marriage

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

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.

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