Approaches to Taxonomy and Measurement of Adaptation in Chronic Disease

Abstract

The concept of adaptation has gained central importance in research on chronic disease. The article reviews recent developments in the major theoretical concepts, coping, defense and social support. A schema for classification is introduced distinguishing coping and defense processes at the individual (cognitive-emotional and behavioral), interpersonal and institutional levels. Some often neglected aspects of the evaluation (concerning temporal orientation, level, areas and perspective of rater) are pointed out. Underlying methodological aspects are briefly reviewed. Applying conceptual demands of theories of adaptation to research on chronic disease shows major research deficits, especially a lack of accepted definitions of adjustment, a preference for static, one-dimensional and cross-sectional research and a lack of adequate assessment procedures. Desiderata for future research are suggested.

Psychometric Testing of the Chinese Version of the Coping and Adaptation Processing Scale-Short Form in Adults With Chronic Illness

“…As noted in the MRT-CAP, the input, central, and output phases of cognitive processing were described and reflected the coping response (Roy, 2011). Additionally, cognitive processes reflecting patients' perception of illness and patterning of coping behaviors were also elaborated in the adaptation processes, which are consistent with other studies (Beutel, 1985;Lenzo et al, 2019). Previous studies maintain that adaptation is a complicated and dynamic process and requires ongoing assessment (Barone et al, 2008;Biesecker et al, 2013), however, well-constructed instruments are needed to explore the strategies used by patients in the coping process in order to guide practice.…”

“…To some extent, the behaviors in this pattern were closely aligned to emotional-focused coping. Neglecting of the situational context by individuals is problematic, even though defense mechanisms are a conceptual aspect of adaptation (Beutel, 1985). Assessing the physiological adaptation of individuals is associated with the exploration of the dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, which is related to anxiety, depression, and perceived quality of life (Alexandersen et al, 2019;Lenzo et al, 2019).…”

“…Because of advancements in health care and increased life expectancy, many individuals will be living with one or more chronic diseases (Suls et al, 2019). A positive human response to chronic health conditions can be characterized by the term adaptation, which has been well documented in the literature (Beutel, 1985;Pollock, 1986;De Ridder et al, 2008; Barone and Waters, 2012). Adaptation and coping strategies are shown to be related and crucial for health management (Lazarus, 1993;Livneh, 1999;Audulv et al, 2016).…”

The medical issues in geropsychology training and practice.

“…Some authors discuss the general area of chronic disease and mental health, while others are disease-specific. Within the general area of chronic illness, there are discussions of stress, coping and adaptation (Auerbach, 1989;Beutel, 1985;Kmse, 1987;Leidy, 1989); the relationship between chronic disease and depression (Ban, 1984; Katon & Sullivan, 1990); anxiety (Turnbull, 1989); sexuality (Moo-radian, 1991); social relationships and illness outcome (Oxman & Berkman, 1990); illness behavior (Levkoff, Cleary, Wetle, & Besdine, 1988); healthrelated quality of life (Revicki, 1989); and selfcarekompliance (Cameron & Gregor, 1987;Connelly, 1987;Green & Simons-Morton, 1988).…”