Illness

behavior

Suchman describes five stages

of illness
Stage I: Symptom experiences
Person comes to believe that something is
wrong.
Has three aspects
The physical experience of symptoms.
The cognitive aspect (the interpretation of the
symptoms)
The emotional response (e.g. fear and
anxiety).

 Sick person may try home remedies

If self-management is ineffective, the
individual enters the next stage.

Stage II: Assumption of the sick role

During this stage people may be excused
from
normal
duties
and
role
expectations.
Often people continue with self-treatment
and delay contact with health care
professionals as long as possible.
When symptoms of illness persist or
increase, the person is motivated to seek
professional help

Stage III:Medical care contact

Validation of real illness.
Explanation of the symptoms in
understandable terms.
Reassurance that they will be all
right or prediction of what the
outcome will be.

 The client may accept or deny the

diagnosis.
If the diagnosis is accepted, the client
usually follows the prescribed treatment
plan.
If the diagnosis is not accepted, the client
may seek the advice of other health care
professionals or quasi-practitioners who
will provide a diagnosis that fits the clients
perceptions.

Stage IV:Dependent client role:

After accepting the illness and seeking treatment, the
client becomes dependent on the professional for help.
Most people accept their dependence on the physician,
although they retain varying degrees of control over their
own lives.
For some clients illness may meet dependence needs
that have never been met and thus provide satisfactions.
Other people have minimal dependence needs and
everything possible to return to independent functioning.
A few may even try to maintain independence to the
detriment of their recovery.

Stage V:Recovery or
Rehabilitation:
During this stage the client is expected to
relinquish the dependent role and resume
former roles and responsibilities.
People who have long-term illness and
must adjust their life style may find
recovery more difficult.