Abstract
This project involves discovering how chronic and life-threatening illness affects family dynamics, relationships within the family, and overall family life. This has been done by analyzing academic articles related to this topic. Some of which include, an article written by Joseph Nowinski, Ph.D called, “Terminal Illness and Family Upheaval.” Another of which includes an article called “The impact of Chronic Illness on Families,” by Joseph Novey. For this project the use of primary research was used more heavily than the academic sources, as there were four solid primary sources used. This includes a survey completed by family members of the ill, an interview with Dr. Stewart a Palliative Care Physician, an interview with Bob, a cancer patient and passages written by family members of the ill. Using all of these sources both primary and secondary, it was concluded that after the diagnosis of a serious illness family life changes significantly, especially with family dynamics and roles, and relationships within the family.
Introduction
The purpose of this study is to determine to what affect does a serious illness affect families. This could be in the form of dynamics and roles, stress levels and relationships. When a family member is diagnosed with a chronic or life threating illness, the whole family is affected. Routines and roles are disturbed and the way in which a family functions change. This study is looking at the extent to which family dynamics change, and how families cope with the changes.
The main research question is: How does a serious or a life threating illness affect family roles and relationships within the family.
Hypothesis
It is predicted that a serious illness drastically affects the lives of every family member, and the whole family dynamic changes. This means that when a family member becomes sick other people have to pick up the slack and do the things that the ill person used to
References: 1. Novey, J. (1957, May 1). The Impact of Chronic Illness on Families. Illness. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/347959?seq=2 2. Zart, T. (2011, August 8). Joseph Nowinski, Ph.D.: Terminal Illness and Family Upheaval. Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Retrieved May 6, 2013, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-nowinski-phd/terminal-illness-and-fami_b_919879.html An interview with Dr. Stewart a Palliative Care Doctor 3. An interview with Bob, a cancer patient 4. A survey completed by family members of ill loved ones, at a support group 5. Passages written by family members of the ill