The Theory of Chronic Sorrow

Explain how the Theory of Chronic Sorrow can be used as a framework for planning care and identifying resources in the following case: You are a case manager for a family with a young child diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Explain how the Theory of Chronic Sorrow can be used as a framework for planning care and identifying resources for this family.

Full Answer Section
  • External coping strategies: These are the ways that the person's social network supports them. These strategies can be helpful or unhelpful. Helpful coping strategies include providing emotional support, practical help, or financial assistance. Unhelpful coping strategies include enabling the person's unhealthy behaviors or minimizing their feelings.
  • Chronic sorrow as a process: The TCS views chronic sorrow as a process that evolves over time. The initial reaction to the loss may be shock and disbelief. This may be followed by sadness, anger, guilt, and grief. Over time, the person may learn to cope with their sorrow and adjust to their new reality.
  • Chronic sorrow as a continuum: The TCS views chronic sorrow as a continuum. The intensity of the sorrow may vary depending on the person's circumstances and the triggering events.

The TCS can be used as a framework for planning care and identifying resources for a family with a child with cerebral palsy in the following ways:

  • Help the family to understand the nature of chronic sorrow. This can help them to normalize their feelings and to develop healthy coping strategies.
  • Help the family to identify their triggers. This can help them to avoid or manage these triggers.
  • Help the family to develop a support network. This can provide them with emotional, practical, and financial support.
  • Help the family to access resources. This can include financial assistance, medical care, and educational services.
  • Be patient and understanding. Chronic sorrow is a long-term process. It takes time for the family to adjust to their new reality.

By using the TCS as a framework, case managers can provide families with the support and resources they need to cope with the challenges of raising a child with cerebral palsy.

Here are some specific resources that may be helpful for families with a child with cerebral palsy:

  • The Cerebral Palsy Foundation: This organization provides information and support to families affected by cerebral palsy.
    Cerebral Palsy Foundation website
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): This organization provides information and support for families affected by rare diseases, including cerebral palsy.
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) website
  • The United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP): This organization provides advocacy, education, and support services to people with cerebral palsy and their families.
    United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP) website
  • The Family Village: This website provides a variety of resources for families affected by disabilities, including cerebral palsy.
    Family Village website

By providing families with information and support, case managers can help them to cope with the challenges of raising a child with cerebral palsy and improve their quality of life.

Sample Answer

he Theory of Chronic Sorrow (TCS) can be used as a framework for planning care and identifying resources for a family with a young child diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The TCS is a middle-range theory that explains the ongoing feelings of sorrow and grief that people experience when they have a chronic illness or disability. The theory states that chronic sorrow is characterized by six dimensions:

  • Perception of disparity: This is the difference between the ideal and the real. In the case of a child with cerebral palsy, the ideal would be a healthy child who can walk, talk, and play like other children. The real is a child with cerebral palsy who may have physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Triggering events: These are events that remind the person of their loss. In the case of a child with cerebral palsy, triggering events could include seeing other children playing, watching a movie about a healthy child, or hearing about a friend or family member who has a healthy child.
  • Internal coping strategies: These are the ways that the person copes with their sorrow. These strategies can be healthy or unhealthy. Healthy coping strategies include talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or journaling. Unhealthy coping strategies include substance abuse, isolation, or anger.