The relationship between self-blame for the onset of a chronic physical health condition and emotional distress : a systematic literature review

Callebaut, Leah; Molyneux, Philip; Alexander, Tim

Abstract

Objective: Past literature presents contrasting perspectives regarding the potential influence of self-blame on adjustment to illness. This systematic literature review aimed to summarise findings from all investigations to date that have explored the relationship between self-blame for the onset of a chronic physical health condition and emotional distress. Method: Between November 2014 and February 2015 electronic databases were searched for relevant literature. Only those studies which assessed self-blame directly and related specifically to illness onset were included within the review. The methodological and reporting quality of all eligible articles was assessed and themes within the findings were discussed using a narrative synthesis approach. Results: The majority of studies found self-blame to be associated with increased distress. However, several concerns with the quality of the reviewed articles may undermine the validity of their conclusions. Conclusions: It is important for professionals supporting people with chronic physical health conditions to have an understanding of how of self-critical causal attributions might relate to emotional distress. Further research is required to understand the concept of self-blame, the factors that may encourage this belief and to develop reliable and valid measures of this experience.

Citation

Callebaut, L., Molyneux, P., & Alexander, T. (2017). The relationship between self-blame for the onset of a chronic physical health condition and emotional distress : a systematic literature review. Clinical psychology and psychotherapy : an international journal of theory & practice, 24(4), 965-986. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2061

• Acceptance Date: Dec 1, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Dec 7, 2016
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Deposit Date: Dec 6, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 13, 2017
• Journal: Clinical psychology and psychotherapy
• Print ISSN: 1063-3995
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 965-986
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2061
• Keywords: Self-blame; Chronic health condition; Adjustment; Causal attribution; Emotional distress; Depression
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/445992
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cpp.2061/full
• Additional Information: This is a description of an article accepted for publication in: Clinical psychology and psychotherapy, 2017, v.24 issue 4.
• Contract Date: Dec 6, 2016