Subjective well-being as a determinant of individuals' responses to symptoms: a biopsychosocial perspective

Summary Background:  Although many models have been developed to explain health behaviour, differences in individual response to symptoms remain largely unexplained; moreover, they tend to underestimate affective (i.e., emotional) processes and they neglect the construct of well‐being, despite its p...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of clinical practice (Esher) 2009-10, Vol.63 (10), p.1435-1445
Main Authors: Kirana, P.-S., Rosen, R., Hatzichristou, D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Cognition
Decision Making
General aspects
Health Behavior
Health psychology
Health Status
Humans
Life Style
Medical sciences
Models, Psychological
Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology
Patient Satisfaction
Perception
Personality
Quality of Life
Self Concept
Social Support
Socioeconomic Factors
Stress, Psychological - psychology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Summary Background:  Although many models have been developed to explain health behaviour, differences in individual response to symptoms remain largely unexplained; moreover, they tend to underestimate affective (i.e., emotional) processes and they neglect the construct of well‐being, despite its predominant role in the definition of health. Aim:  The development of a novel conceptual framework to explain and predict variability in individuals’ responses to symptoms, through a bio‐ psychosocial perspective, considering also the potential role of subjective well‐being. Materials & Methods:  The most widely used health behaviour models were being reviewed, as well as their limitations. Based on the evidence in the literature, major domains that influence response to symptoms are identified and analysed. Results:  A new conceptual framework that is not limited to explanation of common health behaviours such as treatment seeking or problem identification, but draws attention to a broad spectrum of individual reactions and experiences following the physical experience of a symptom or medical condition. The role of subjective well‐being and its determinants are considered as a central concept in the proposed framework. Discussion:  The present conceptual framework provides a comprehensive bio‐psychosocial perspective on behavioural outcomes related to individual response to symptoms. Conclusion:  The proposed framework opens a new window to patient centred care. Research to evaluate the proposed framework may improve the quality of clinical care and overall patient satisfaction.
ISSN:1368-5031
1742-1241
DOI:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2009.02183.x