Communication in Chronic Illness Decision-Making

• In Event: Intergroup Communication Research in Progress

Abstract

This paper fills a gap in the literature to (1) distinguish between the identity layers in health contexts, (2) further distinguish between health identity (i.e., absence of illness) and illness identity (i.e., identity formed through illness), and (3)explain how illness identity changes over time. I propose a model of chronic illness decision-making based on theoretical and empirical evidence. In this paper, I apply CTI’s four layers of identity to a shared health decision-making model by examining relevant predictors (e.g., patient illness identity; supportive communication from illness in-group and out-group members) and relevant outcomes (e.g., patient treatment decision-making, patient well-being, and patient’s health behaviors). I discuss the ways chronic illness identity changes throughout the three stages of disease management: (1) diagnosis, (2) treatment, (3) management/recovery. Finally, I explore this model’s importance for intergroup communication and decision-making in a variety of chronic illness contexts, such as cancer, infertility, and HIV.

Author

• Angela Lynn Palmer-Wackerly, Ohio State U