A Sequential Criterion Analysis for Assessing Coping with Chronic Illness

Abstract

A three-stage sequential criterion analysis based on the Goldfried-D'Zurilla behavior model is presented as a heuristic approach for studying chronic illness. The three interrelated stages consist of: (a) problem identification, (b) response enumeration, and (c) response evaluation. The utility of this systematic approach for understanding the adaptive process, helping to identify patients who might benefit from intervention, providing content for actual intervention, and reducing the myth of homogeneity among chronic patient populations for both clinicians and researches, is discussed. Examples of the utility of the criterion analysis are provided throughout the paper.

Coping with the physical and psychosocial sequelae of bone marrow transplantation among long-term survivors

“…The first question concerns the type and severity of problems facing BMT survivors. Turk et al (1980) have argued that the delineation of problems confronting chronic illness populations is a critical first step in the investigation of coping with these illnesses. A BMT Problem Checklist (described below) was used by survivors to assist them in identifying problems and concerns they have experienced.…”

“…The second approach to assessing coping is the situation-specific approach Turk et al, 1980). In this approach, coping is assessed in relation to particular "substressors" associated with cancer.…”

Stress among allogeneic bone marrow transplantation patients

“…According to this view, the process of coping is composed of two distinct phases: (a) primary appraisal, which refers to a set of cognitions concerning the significance or impact of the stressful event for the individual, and (b) secondary appraisal, which refers to a set of cognitions regarding the availability of resources or options (e.g., coping skills) for dealing with the stressful situation (see also [6]). According to Turk et al [7], the first critical step in the investigation of coping with disease is the delineation of problems confronting individuals who are experiencing the illness.…”

Coping with neuroimmunological diseases

“…Elements of training coping skills in this domain may be derived from existing problem-solving approaches which have been transformed by Turk et al [20] for the context of chronic physical illness in general and been adapted for specific disease conditions by other authors.…”