Body consciousness, illness-related impairment, and patient adherence in hemodialysis

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1996 Feb;64(1):147-52. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.64.1.147.

Abstract

Recent theory and evidence suggests that bodily self-focusing tendencies (e.g. private body consciousness) may be associated with medical regimen adherence among chronically ill patients. The present study examined the joint effects of private body consciousness and degree of illness-related physical impairment on treatment regimen adherence in a sample of 52 hemodialysis patients. It was predicted that the effect of PBC on adherence would vary as a function of patients' level of illness-related physical impairment. For patients experiencing more severe impairment, higher PBC scores were associated with poorer adherence to the prescribed medication and dietary regimen. In contrast, for patients experiencing a relatively low degree of disease-related physical impairment, higher private body consciousness was associated with more favorable adherence. Results are discussed in terms of self-focused attention and behavioral self-regulation theories. Implications for future research and clinical intervention are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attention
  • Body Image*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance / psychology*
  • Personality Inventory
  • Renal Dialysis / psychology*
  • Sick Role*