A Model of Adaptation to the Stress of Chronic Illness

A conceptual framework for home nursing

“…It was observed that this stage applied to both the patient and the family. While Lawrence & Lawrence (1979) only discussed the nurses' role in relation to the patient, the present research found that the nurse also facilitated the adaption of the carer.…”

“…The development of a conceptual framework was also designed to examine in relation to community nursing, the process outlined by Lawrence & Lawrence (1979) of how appropriate nursing intervention can produce, through adaption to the stress of chronic illness, a higher form of human functioning from that existing before illness. They called this higher level of functioning 'self dependency' which could be attained by the nurse stimulating in the person 'self direction and self control', while working through the various stages of adaption to stress.…”

“…The crucial elements in assisting the person were postulated to be goal-directed behaviour, mutual goals and a therapeutic relationship. Lawrence & Lawrence's (1979) 'adaption model' can be seen as essentially an extension of Roy's (1971) conception where the nurse aids 'man's' adaption.…”

“…It was found that the home nurse plays a central role in the patient's response to chronic illness. Lawrence & Lawrence (1979) have described how nursing intervention can produce, through adaption to the stress of long-term illness, a higher form of human functioning than that existing before the onset ofthe disorder. Surprisingly, this process has never been examined in relation to home nursing which, more than ever, is caring for increasing numbers of patients experiencing chronic illness and disability.…”

Psychosocial Health Status of Persons Seeking Treatment for Exposure to Libby Amphibole Asbestos

“…Any agent or stimulus that challenges adaptive capabilities can be considered a stressor [30], for example, a traumatic event or an illness. Postdisaster stress symptoms are often but not always reported more frequently by women than men [31].…”