CHANGING IDENTITIES

CHANGING IDENTITIES

1. identity can be threatened by chronic illness

   • esp if the illness provokes negative reactions from others

2. when s'one is ill affected not just by illness but via learning to embrace the SICK ROLE

   • SICK ROLE: PARSONS
     • PERSON IS OBLIGED TO ACT ILL AND SEEK HELP
       • is this possible with chronic illness?

3. Chronic illness changes sense of identity, the person must change their perception of self

   • some illnesses may carry social stigma so how peron is viewed by society changes
     • MICK AND OWEN: HIV

4. listening to how pt tells story of their illness can give health care professionals insight into how they are coping and how to best help the person affected