THE ROLE OF CHRONIC ILLNESS IN MENTAL WELLBEING

Because it is a chronic process that includes the proliferation of multiple stressors, chronic illness can lead to significant psychological distress. Within the framework of a stress proliferation model, chronic illness is a significant predictor of such distress. The 1996 National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) was utilized for this secondary analysis. There were 4242 adult respondents surveyed by phone on physical health, midlife development, and social support. Chronic illness was reported by 2095 (71%) respondents. Chronic illness, mediated by perceived control, was a significant predictor of depression. Social support and healthcare discrimination were also significant in the likelihood of depression. The current analysis supports the premise that chronic illness is a stressor that not only leads to poor mental health outcomes but is associated with the emergence of other stressors, such as distress from discrimination. The book highlights the significant impact personal agency and quality support have on dealing with stress from chronic illness.