Quality of life in patients with a chronic disease: multilevel integrative approach

Summary:

Chronic diseases are known for the severe consequences they have on the quality of life of patients and their families. A growing body of evidence from recent studies indicates that they do not strike at random. Health status was found to be associated with several psychosocial variables (e.g. socioeconomic status, social support, personal resources, self-esteem). The aim of this multidisciplinary project is to gain deeper insight into mechanisms by which bio-psycho-social variables counterbalance or break the negative spiral of the disease and its consequences. The research will be carried out within the framework of the multilevel, integrative approach. The results of the causal modeling are empirical evidence supporting the utility of interventions addressing psychosocial needs of patients with a chronic disease.