The relationship between uncertainty in illness and psychological adjustment to chronic illness

Bibliographic Data

ID4226642
AuthorsTheresa A Skojec (0009-0005-8182-6705, Medical University of South Carolina, corresponding author), Tatiana M Davidson (0000-0002-7987-4653, Medical University of South Carolina), Teresa J Kelechi (0000-0001-7412-2607, Medical University of South Carolina)
Year2025
Volume30
Issue4
Pages622-637
Publication date2025-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-1053 • E-ISSN: 1461-7277
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13591053241249861
PMID38761058
OpenAlexW4397034196
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited39

Using Mishel's Uncertainty in illness theory, this integrative review sought to identify how uncertainty in illness and psychological adjustment to illness are associated with chronic illness to guide development of interventions to support psychological adjustment. A search was conducted via EBSCOHost to answer the question "What is the relationship between uncertainty in illness and psychological adjustment to chronic illness?" Two key factors were identified as having an impact on psychological adjustment to chronic illness in the presence of uncertainty in illness including uncertainty appraisal and the type of coping strategies used in response to the appraisal. Individuals with a chronic illness diagnosis are more likely to experience increased levels of uncertainty in illness and decreased psychological adjustment to illness. A better understanding of these two concepts is important to augment and or guide the development of interventions to support psychological adjustment

Illness behavior · Psychiatry · Clinical Psychology · Health and Well-being Studies · Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout · Medicine · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Psychology

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