The impact of family behaviors and communication patterns on chronic illness outcomes: a systematic review

Abstract

In general, social support from family members affects chronic illness outcomes, but evidence on which specific family behaviors are most important to adult patient outcomes has not been summarized. We systematically reviewed studies examining the effect of specific family member behaviors and communication patterns on adult chronic illness self-management and clinical outcomes. Thirty studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified, representing 22 participant cohorts, and including adults with arthritis, chronic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and/or end stage renal disease. Family emphasis on self-reliance and personal achievement, family cohesion, and attentive responses to symptoms were associated with better patient outcomes. Critical, overprotective, controlling, and distracting family responses to illness management were associated with negative patient outcomes. Study limitations included cross-sectional designs (11 cohorts), however results from longitudinal studies were similar. Findings suggest that future interventions aiming to improve chronic illness outcomes should emphasize increased family use of attentive coping techniques and family support for the patient’s autonomous motivation.

Structured Caregiver Feedback Enhances Engagement and Impact of Mobile Health Support: A Randomized Trial in a Lower-Middle-Income Country

“…18,19 Informal caregivers play a crucial role in supporting diabetes self-management 20,21 and may increase engagement in mhealth interventions. Some IVR-based programs in the United States allow patients to participate with an informal caregiver (''CarePartner'') who receives automated feedback based on the patient's IVR assessments.…”

Stabilizing family life after gastric bypass surgery

“…This is in accordance with earlier research on the individual level, which showed that unrealistic expectations and lack of support may negatively affect self-care management in the form of diet and physical activity, as well as the maintenance thereof (Moore & Cooper, 2015; Sharman et al, 2015). Families’ involvement and negative expression of support can be obstructive, depending on the relationship quality and conflict resolution abilities (Mayberry & Osborn, 2014; Rosland, Heisler, & Piette, 2012). …”

‘I think positivity breeds positivity’: a qualitative exploration of the role of family members in supporting those with chronic musculoskeletal pain to stay at work

“…Or, does the proposed increase in relationship strength as a result of empathic responses from significant others buffer the negative effects on the relationship due to one partner having CMP? Complexity can also arise when this support or empathic response, viewed by couples as an indicator of relationship strength, translates into solicitousness which has a potentially detrimental effect on pain outcomes [8,[28][29][30]. It has also been suggested that by providing help with everyday tasks, significant others are reducing the amount of activities for the person with pain, leaving more time for them to focus/ruminate on their condition.…”