Living with a chronic illness as a challenge to psychological development: The role of personal identity, sense of coherence and perceived self-efficacy

The aim of this paper is to propose lifespan developmental psychology as a theoretical framework for analysing the psychological aspects of living with chronic illness. The basic assumption of lifespan developmental psychology is that development occurs throughout the entire human life-cycle. Furthermore, developmental psychology emphasizes the active role played by the individual in one's own development and pays particular attention to the adaptation processes involved. It underlines that development is prompted by challenging or crisis situations, provided that the person has the resources to deal with them. Based on these assumptions, chronic illness is considered not only as a constraint on development and a burden on existence, but also as a challenge that can promote psychological development: if illness undoubtedly entails considerable difficulties for personal development, it also has the potential to trigger transformation and positive adaptation processes. In this introductory theoretical article, we explain the model which we refer to and focus on three psychological variables, closely interrelated, that are crucial for adaptation to chronic illness: Personal identity, sense of coherence and self-efficacy. These aspects are particularly threatened by chronic illness, but also represent resources that can be strengthened and on which the person can count. We consider them key factors that can serve as resources in the process of personal development and adaptation to chronic illness throughout the lifespan. As examples, we report some of the results of our research on these aspects in people with multiple sclerosis. These findings confirm that it is useful to look at chronic illness from a developmental psychological perspective, not only for a deeper understanding of the processes involved, but also for the implementation of psychological support interventions.