Article
Details
Citation
Maltinsky W, Henton S, Spaltro G, Fowler S, Chaudhuri R, Higgs C, Boiskin D & Preece S (2024) Illness perceptions, symptom severity and psychosocial outcomes in adults with dysfunctional breathing. Journal of Asthma. https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2024.2397656
Abstract
Background
People with dysfunctional breathing (DB) experience symptoms such as air hunger and breathing pattern irregularities. The condition is often comorbid with other respiratory conditions, as well as anxiety and depression. Illness perceptions, the beliefs an individual has of an illness may explain health and wellbeing outcomes.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study we examined the illness perceptions of those diagnosed with DB, symptom severity, and psychosocial outcomes of depression, anxiety, and impact on daily living. Data were analyzed using tests of comparison and regression analysis.
Results
82 people diagnosed with DB completed the brief illness perception questionnaire, the Nijmegen symptoms questionnaire, and questionnaires measuring mood and impact on daily living. The illness perceptions of those with DB were overall negative. There was a positive correlation between illness perceptions and mood, indicating that the stronger the beliefs that individuals had that DB is a serious condition, the more negative their mood. Illness perceptions significantly predicted psychosocial outcomes, even when controlling for demographic factors and symptom severity (depression: adj. R2=.352, F(10,51)=4.32, p<.001; anxiety: adj. R2=.40, F(11,47)=4.55, p<.001; impact on daily living: adj. R2= .33, F(8,53)=4.79, p<.001).
Conclusions
This is the first study to examine illness perceptions held by those diagnosed with DB. Our study found significant relationships between illness perceptions and psychosocial outcomes. It is possible that psychological interventions that target illness perceptions may also improve outcomes.
Keywords
psychosocial; illness perceptions; common sense self-regulatory model; dysfunctional breathing; breathing pattern disorder
Journal
Journal of Asthma
Status | Early Online |
---|---|
Funders | |
Publication date online | 30/09/2024 |
Date accepted by journal | 24/08/2024 |
Publisher | Informa UK Limited |
ISSN | 0277-0903 |
eISSN | 1532-4303 |
People (1)
Senior Lecturer, Psychology