ILLNESS CAREERS - THE CHRONIC ILLNESS EXPERIENCE

The provision of skilful psychosocial care to patients suffering from chronic illnesses starts with an appreciation of what it is like to li ve with a chronic condition. Definitions of self-esteem may be realign ed when patients encounter a prolonged problem, and reliance upon prof essional help. Getting inside the experience of such illness may be ke y to understanding patient motivation, noncompliance with therapy and altered patterns of social engagement. Individuals' personal construct s may usefully then be used to explore the extent to which chronic ill ness sufferers share common problems and needs.