Women Coping With Chronic Disease: The Psychosocial Impact of Lupus

Charles Auerbach*, Nancy L. Beckerman, Irene Blanco

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study (n = 92) was the further identification of the unique psychosocial challenges facing those living with lupus. Specifically, the study aim was to clarify which particular lupus symptomatology may result in which emotional states. The authors review relevant literature, discuss findings, and provide evidence-based recommendations for social workers providing services to patients with lupus. Key findings include the following: Frequent flare-ups resulted in the highest need for assistance with feelings of depression, anxiety, and socioeconomic challenges. Hair loss had the most significant impact on depression, anxiety, and socioeconomic coping. Being hospitalized in the past year for lupus also significantly impacted depression, anxiety, and socioeconomic coping. And, finally, the participants reported that having friends to rely on reduced their reported depression and anxiety. Fatigue from lupus was seen as the highest correlate of anxiety.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)606-615
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Social Service Research
Volume39
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013

Keywords

  • chronic illness
  • Lupus
  • psychosocial impact of illness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science

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