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Research Question: What are the psychosocial effects experienced by individuals coping with chronic illnesses, and how do these effects impact their overall well-being and quality of life

Castaldi, Emma

Li, Pengshen

Summitt, Sarah

Shaw, Michele

Gonzaga University 
The Repository of Gonzaga University 
NURS 404/406 Research & Info Management Nursing Student Scholarship 
Spring 2024 
The Psychosocial Effects of Chronic Illness and their Impact on 
Well-Being and Quality of Life 
Emma Castaldi 
Pengshen Li 
Sarah Summitt 
Michele Shaw 
Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.gonzaga.edu/nursing404_406 
The Psychosocial Effects of Chronic Illness and 
their Impact on Well-Being and Quality of Life 
Emma Castaldi, Pengshen Li, Sarah Summitt, Dr. Michele Shaw, Department of Nursing, Gonzaga University 
Background 
• A chronic illness is a "disease or condition 
that usually lasts for 3 months or longer
and may get worse over time" (NCI
Dictionary of Cancer terms). 
• Navigating chronic illness can be 
challenging and can significantly affect 
psychosocial well-being and quality of life. 
• Individual must acquire specific skills, 
abilities, knowledge, and resources to 
take on responsibilities related to their 
illness. 
• By exploring the psychosocial effects of 
chronic illness, we gain insight into the 
unique challenges faced by individuals 
living with such conditions and identify 
strategies to promote well-being and 
quality of life in this population. 
Research
question
What are Hie psychosocial effects 
experienced by individuals coping with 
chronic illnesses, and how do these effects 
impact their overall well-being and quality 
of life? 
Intervention 
Establish a program consisting of a series of meetings of 
individuals with chronic illnesses that will enable individuals with 
chronic illness to connect with and learn from each other and 
will provide education regarding chronic illness management. 
Implementation Proposal/Plan 
Organization
• In-person and zoom options 
• 20 participants
• 2 hour meetings every other week 
• 3 month program
• Each meeting will have a healthcare professional present 
Contents 
• Group member check-in - 55 minutes+ 5 minute break 
0 Self-reflect on current well-being 
0 Share self-reflections with the group
• Education - 1 hour 
0 Skills/abilities: verbal/written communication, healthcare 
decision-making, emotional/health literacy, multi-tasking, 
time-management, planning, organizing 
o Resources: transportation, computer/internet, support
people, finances, medications, monitoring tools, reliable 
souces of information, energy/stamina, safe environment, 
healthy food, trustworthy referrals, public libraries 
o Knowledge: evidence-based ways to manage symptoms 
and support psychosocial wellbeing; medications and side 
effects 
Expected Outcomes 
Primary Goal: Participants will be equipped 
to manage the psychosocial challenges of 
chronic illness. 
Participants will. .. 
• Identify and utilize available resources to 
manage their chronic illness 
0 Identify their primary forms of support
• Develop the skills and abilities required
for chronic illness management 
o Identify strategies to communicate 
their feelings/needs
• Demonstrate increased knowledge of 
symtom management and health/well­
being promotion
• Build connections with others within the 
group and utilize the group as a support 
system 
References 


English

The Psychosocial Effects of Chronic Illness and their Impact on Well-Being and Quality of Life

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