Measuring the social dimension of subjective health in chronic illness.
This contribution discusses the social dimension of treatment-related subjective health in chronically ill patients. In its first part, it introduces two basic concepts, 'social performance' and 'social well-being'. These terms are further specified and discussed in the broader context of the notions of 'social support' and 'social adjustment'. The second part gives a selective, critical overview of currently used methods in the field. It is concluded that the existing gap between theory and measurement needs to be closed before substantial advancements in a comprehensive assessment of subjective health can be expected.
Siegrist
J
J
Department of Medical Sociology, Medical School, University of Marburg, FRG.
Junge
A
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010556:Personality Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support