How Chronic Illness Affects Family Relationships

11 This research project reviewed the current literature on how chronic illness affects an individual and the relationships within a family. The research demonstrates that chronic illness can have dramatic effects not only on the individual, but also on the relationships and psychological selves of a chronically ill person's family members. In addition, the research suggests that a person's culture may impact how an individual views hislher chronic illness. More research needs to be conducted to better illustrate how a chronic illness impacts the family relationships, function, and structure, as well as give a more comprehensive understanding of how different cultural factors directly impact chronic illness. The Graduate School University of Wisconsin Stout Menomonie, WI Acknowledgments iii I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. John Klem, for his willing to learn all ofthe processes necessary to get me through not only my thesis, but my second degree! I do not know where I would be without your patience, thoroughness, and unwavering belief that I could do this. In addition, I want to thank my family for providing me with an endless amount oflove, support, and encouragement. I am here today because of you and I love you all very much. Jessica Lepak, I cannot thank you enough for giving up your free time to re-check my grammar and AP A formatting the numerous times you did. You are truly amazing! A special thanks to all my friends and professors for being so understanding and teaching me many valuable life lessons. Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Shelley, Dr. Kitowski, Dr. Hicks, "my nurse Linda," and "my nurse Judy," for putting up with my stubbornness and keeping me as healthy as you possibly could so that I could accomplish my dreams.