Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Effects Of Chronic Illness On Self-Image In Adolescents, Krista Stillson

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ILLNESS ON SELF-IMAGE IN ADOLESCENTS:

AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Krista Stillson

Abstract

Background: Chronic illness can pose more than just pathological effects on an individual. During the vulnerable developmental stage of adolescence, the psychological effects of disease can be equally as damaging. In adolescence, manifestations of chronic illness can cause a distorted self-image which may potentiate negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. For this reason, it is important for nurses to be aware of the broad impact that can accompany disease and use interventions to counteract such effects. Implementation of coping interventions can help …