Parenteral nutrition outside hospital: psychosocial styles of adaptation.
Twenty subjects who had been on Long Term Parenteral Nutrition outside hospital for varying periods were studied. The study dealt with examination of factors which determined success or problems in adaptation to the regimen. Two subgroups with distinctive coping styles were identified. The first was characterized by a high degree of dependence on the external environment. The second, in contrast, was characterized by a behavioural pattern of assumption of personal responsibility for gratification of needs, less dependence on the external environment and a need to have life well organized and under control. Males in middle age appeared to adapt more readily than those in the younger or older age group. Women experienced a more profound disturbance of body image than men. Individuals in stable relationships with supportive families adapted better and had fewer complications and readmissions to hospital. The presence of chronic illness before the institution of LTPN appeared to facilitate a better adaptation to the regimen than that found after sudden bowel loss due to intra-abdominal castrastrophe in previously healthy individuals.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition / Q000523:psychology*; D010551:Personality; D012917:Social Adjustment