Happiness When the Body Hurts: Achieving Well-Being in Chronic Health Conditions

Megan McCormick; Grace Cushman

doi:10.1016/j.chc.2018.11.008

Happiness When the Body Hurts: Achieving Well-Being in Chronic Health Conditions

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2019 Apr;28(2):147-156. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2018.11.008.

Authors

Megan McCormick¹, Grace Cushman²

Affiliations

¹ Georgetown University, 2115 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20007, USA. Electronic address: megan.l.mccormick@gunet.georgetown.edu.
² University of Georgia, 125 Baldwin Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA.

PMID: 30832949
DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2018.11.008

Abstract

This article provides a framework for understanding the application of positive psychology, in particular, Seligman's PERMA, in the context of chronic childhood illness. In particular, inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic illness that is often associated with social and emotional challenges for youth diagnosed with this lifelong condition. Specific disease factors that seemingly work against happiness are explained, and traditional notions of happiness are discussed and redefined. With PERMA as a guide, adult caregivers (eg, psychiatrists, psychologists, parents, gastroenterologists) can help youth living with chronic illness practice acceptance, adjust expectations, and find meaning, fulfillment, and psychological well-being.

Keywords: Chronic; GI; Happiness; IBD; Illness; PERMA; Well-being.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Child
Child Welfare*
Chronic Disease*
Emotions
Happiness*
Humans
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / psychology*
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / therapy
Parents / psychology