title: Effects of communication-debilitating illnesses and injuries on close relationships: a relational maintenance perspective.
abstract: A communication-debilitating illness or injury (CDI) presents significant challenges for patients as well as for friends and family. In a qualitative study of the effects of a CDI on close relationships, 28 individuals with loved ones who had experienced a CDI were interviewed. Participants described adjustments in communication with the patient and explained what it is like to experience a relationship with a CDI patient. Themes that emerged transcended the type of illness and relationship. Recommendations are made for further research that focuses on patients' relationships with a variety of social network members, beyond primary caregivers.
authors.affiliation: School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA. bute@ohio.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Bute
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Donovan-Kicken
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Martins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003142:Communication; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*