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Perceived Stigma and Self-disclosure in Adolescents and Adults Living with Cystic Fibrosis: Measuring the Impact on Psychological and Physical Health

Oliver, Kendea Nicole
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1307639721

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Psychology.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, digestive system, and reproductive system. Medical advances have resulted in dramatic increases in the life-expectancy for patients with CF, changing CF from a childhood disease to long-term chronic illness, yet little is known about how individuals cope with CF beyond early childhood. Previous research has suggested that CF is a stigmatizing disease, which may be related to worse psychological functioning. Additionally, research has suggested that self-disclosure is related to better psychological functioning when the response to the disclosure is positive, which may be relevant to patients with CF when they disclose their diagnosis to others. The current study examined the relationship among stigma, self-disclosure, optimism, mastery, and indicators of psychological and physical health in adolescents and young adults with CF (ages 14 to 25). Sixty-five patients from the CF Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital completed a packet of self-report questionnaires at the time of a regular medical visit. Assessments included demographic information, stigma (Social Impact Scale), self-disclosure (Talking About Cystic Fibrosis questionnaire), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), CF-specific quality of life (Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire – Revised), optimism (Life Orientation Test – Revised), and mastery (Pearlin Mastery Scale). Additionally, medical/health data were recorded from patient records, including body mass index, pulmonary function, current number of medications, number of comorbid diagnoses, and number of recent hospitalizations within the previous six months. Results indicated that patients with CF reported lower levels of stigma relative to other chronically ill populations. However, stigma was associated with greater psychological distress, poorer quality of life (controlling for physical health), lower optimism, and lower mastery. Higher optimism buffered the effects of stigma on anxiety (and distress), while lower optimism combined with higher stigma was associated with elevated levels of anxiety (and distress). Positive self-disclosure was associated with lower depression, and with greater optimism and mastery. Frequency of negative disclosure events was related to psychological distress and worse quality of life. Sex differences were also examined and were consistent with cultural norms (e.g., males reporting higher energy and more concerns gaining weight). Results of this study indicated that stigma has a negative influence on psychological health in patients with CF, but optimism may act as a protective factor. Patients with lower optimism and higher stigma may be more likely to experience difficulty coping with their illness. Self-disclosure, especially when it has a negative effect on social relationships, is related to poor psychological well-being. Future studies should examine additional components of the disclosure process to better understand the influence of self-disclosure on coping processes among patients with CF.
Charles Emery, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Jennifer Cheavens, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Michael Vasey, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
98 p.
Psychology
cystic fibrosis; stigma; self-disclosure

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Oliver, K. N. (2011). Perceived Stigma and Self-disclosure in Adolescents and Adults Living with Cystic Fibrosis: Measuring the Impact on Psychological and Physical Health [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1307639721

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Oliver, Kendea. Perceived Stigma and Self-disclosure in Adolescents and Adults Living with Cystic Fibrosis: Measuring the Impact on Psychological and Physical Health. 2011. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1307639721.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Oliver, Kendea. "Perceived Stigma and Self-disclosure in Adolescents and Adults Living with Cystic Fibrosis: Measuring the Impact on Psychological and Physical Health." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1307639721

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.