Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

The use of Biofeedback in Clinical Virtual Reality: The INTREPID Project
Published on: November 12, 2009
Adjusting to illness and other major life events: how can GPs help?
1School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia. david.clarke@med.monash.edu.au
Background:
General practitioners often see patients who are struggling with a change in their life circumstances. When this change involves illness, the GP is well placed to provide support and practical assistance. However, research in this area has tended to concentrate on the patient who is overwhelmed and unable to cope, focusing on the negative consequences of anxiety and depression.
Objective:
This article is designed to demonstrate the process of coping, and successful strategies that can be encouraged in the primary care setting.
Discussion:
The process of coping involves thoughts and behaviours. A patient with a new diagnosis, or a threatening change in their health, will assess the situation and determine how much it threatens them (primary appraisal) and how well they feel they are able to cope (secondary appraisal). They will then begin their preferred coping strategies. The GP can provide support and encouragement throughout this process.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Illness
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe and...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results from...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include: