Subjective wellbeing of an individual with a chronic illness: A case study

Abstract

Background: Having a chronic illness can upset a person’s life, which can further be explained in terms of its influence on the well-being of the individual. An individual with a chronic illness often has to deal with innumerable challenges and adapt to changes that the illness brings about, which further affects how they cognitively and emotionally evaluate their lives. It was felt necessary to understand from the perspective of a chronically ill individual the way they feel regarding the illness and cope with it from time to time. Aim: The aim was to develop an understanding of the subjective wellbeing and health management practices of a person undergoing a chronic illness. Method: It was a case study based on an in-depth, semi-structured interview. A questionnaire of Quality-of-Life Inventory was also administered on the participant. The case of the study was a male undergraduate student, aged 20 years suffering from Crohn’s disease. Results: The results from the QOL assessment show that the participant has an overall high level of life satisfaction. Data analysis through thematic analysis depicted various themes encompassing the challenges faced, precautionary measures taken, etc. The results suggest adopting sources of recreation, alternative practices and the importance of cultivating a positive outlook in health management practices. Application: The present study has contributed to our understanding of how individuals adapt to life after chronic illness.

Keywords: Chronic illness, subjective well-being, health management practices