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Adaptive responses to illness and disability. Healthy denial
1Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians, and Surgeons, New York, New York.
General Hospital Psychiatry
|May 1, 1988
Summary
This study explores resilience in individuals facing extreme adversity. It identifies key traits like hardiness and ego strength, suggesting origins and treatment implications for enhanced coping mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Understanding resilience is crucial for mental health.
- Previous research often focuses on specific coping mechanisms.
Observation:
- Three individuals with extraordinary courage facing severe life challenges (death, illness, disability) were studied.
- Adaptive traits enabling effective functioning and optimism were identified.
Findings:
- Healthy denial alone does not fully explain sustained optimism.
- Resilience is proposed to encompass psychological hardiness and ego strength.
- Potential sources and origins of resilience were explored.
Implications:
- Findings offer insights into the psychological underpinnings of resilience.
- Suggests avenues for therapeutic interventions to foster resilience in patients.
- Highlights the importance of cognitive styles and ego strength in overcoming adversity.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
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01:17Classification of Illness
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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...
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Acute illness is severe and...
01:18Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
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01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
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The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
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Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's initial...
Alarm stage
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