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Personality Dysfunction and the Management of Chronic Medical Illness: A Community Health Sample

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of personality disorders on perceived health status, self-efficacy for management of the chronic illness, and physician perception of patient health. A total of 607 patients with self-identified chronicillness(es) volunteered to participate in the study. Out of this sample, 147 had collaborative physician data indicating a chronic illness. The final sample was 143 due to incomplete data. Results suggested that maladaptive personality characteristics, as measured by the Short-Form of the Coolidge Axis II Inventory (SCATI), were related to a number of important factors that influence self-management of chronic illnesses. When the personality constellations were broken into 3 groups (normal, subclinical, and clinical) significant differences were found on the 3 groups of dependent variables (Subjective Health, Self-Efficacy, Physician Appraisal) for the different personality disorders. These data provide useful information on several factors that influence effective disease management. Clinical implications and directions for future research are provided.

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Correspondence to Charles C. Benight.

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Benight, C.C., Yamazaki, T.G., Gilfillan-Morton, L.A. et al. Personality Dysfunction and the Management of Chronic Medical Illness: A Community Health Sample. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings 9, 77–95 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014935908879

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014935908879

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