The influence of social support on chronic illness self-management: a review and directions for research

Author: Gallant, M.P.

Description: A review of the empirical literature examining the relationship between social support and chronic illness self-management identified 29 articles, of which 22 were quantitative and 7 were qualitative. The majority of research in this area concerns diabetes self-management, with a few studies examining asthma, heart disease, and epilepsy management. Taken together, these studies provide evidence for a modest positive relationship between social support and chronic illness self-management, especially for diabetes. Dietary behavior appears to be particularly susceptible to social influences. In addition, social network members have potentially important negative influences on self-management There is a need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which support influences self-management and to examine whether this relationship varies by illness, type of support, and behavior. There is also a need to understand how the social environment may influence self-management in ways other than the provision of social support

Subject headings: Adaptation, Psychological; Chronic Disease/psychology/rehabilitation; Humans; Patient Compliance/psychology; Self Care/psychology; Sick Role; Social Support; Diabetes

Publication year: 2003

Journal or book title: Health Education & Behavior : the Official Publication of the Society for Public Health Education

Volume: 30

Issue: 2

Pages: 170-195

Find the full text : http://heb.sagepub.com/content/30/2/170.short

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 361