Chronic illness and mental health

This entry focuses on determinants of psychosocial adjustment to chronic illness. Approximately 129 million Americans live with at least one chronic physical illness, such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Chronic illnesses require psychological adaptation to prevent negative mental health outcomes and foster resilience. We present several longstanding theories of adaptation, and research evidence for determinants of successful psychological adaptation, including intra-personal (e.g., personality, coping strategies), interpersonal (e.g., social support) and structural (socioeconomic status, gender, life stage) factors. We describe biobehavioral processes that lead to successful adaptation and psychological interventions to increase well-being among adults with chronic illness.