The influence of emotions accompanying a chronic somatic illness on social adaptability of young people

Abstract

The study aimed to demonstrate the influence of emotions accompanying a chronic, somatic illness on social adaptation of young people. The author understands the issue of social adaptation in two ways: in terms of individual personality, which is seeking full harmony with oneself, and in the interpersonal dimension, which is by seeking harmony with others. The emotions accompanied by the illness were assessed using “Get to know yourself” Questionnaire, whereas when assessing the social adaptation, a standardised method: The Handicap Problems Inventory (HPI), issues of disabled people, by T. Witkowski was used. The conducted research was based on following spheres of adaptation: individual, family, social, and occupational. The research results presented by the author allow to conclude on the influence of emotions accompanying a chronic illness and somatic disabilities on social adaptation of young people, although the above mentioned health problems do not generally cause difficulties in social adaptation. Emotions accompanying an illness play a significant role in terms of performing social activities merely in the case of patients suffering from asthma. In the remaining groups of ill people, the emotions caused by the illness do not interfere with the patients’ social functioning in the each of the spheres. Usually, they take a shape of anxiety or concern about the future. In conclusion, the author offers a few solutions for rehabilitation and educational activities.