Abstract

This study examined multiple dimensions of well-being among adults with chronic medical conditions/illnesses utilizing the Multidimensional Well-Being Assessment (MWA). Specifically, the dimensions of well-being that were assessed included physical, emotional, and relational, as well as dimensions of well-being that have not previously been studied in individuals with chronic medical conditions/illnesses, such as collective and transformational well-being. A non-random sample of 268 participants with chronic medical conditions/illnesses completed multiple measures of well-being as part of a larger psychometric investigation of the MWA. Significant positive correlations were found between physical well-being and measures of subjective well-being assessing satisfaction with life, flourishing, and positive emotion. Significant negative correlations were found between the MWA dimensions and measures of distress and negative emotion. Furthermore, results of a series of MANOVAs found that multiple dimensions of well-being yielded statistically significant differences between groups on various demographic and background variables (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, relationship status, parental status, income, socioeconomic status, stress level, illness interference). This study's findings also indicated that there are differences between adults with chronic medical conditions who rated religion as important and those who rated religion as not important on several dimensions of well-being. This study has implications for future research related to understanding well-being in individuals with chronic medical conditions/illnesses.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Chronically ill -- Mental health; Chronic diseases -- Psychological aspects; Well-being -- Evaluation

Date of Award

2015

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Harrell, Shelly P.;

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