Abstract: | The lack of homogeneity of the ambulatory patients group may have specific
interdependencies of psychosocial variables. Therefore, studies have been undertaken
to determine the level of intensity of some of them and to reveal the correlation between
them. The study has focused on: acceptance of the disease, the level of distress, the
disease‑related physical and emotional state (both positive and negative). Methods: an
Acceptance of Illness Scale, by B.J Felton, T.A. Revenson and G.A. Hinrichsen (in Polish
version by Z. Juczyński), Distress Thermometer developed by the American Cancer
Society in the Polish adaptation of J. Życińska, E. Wojtyna, A. Heyda and A. Syska‑Bielak,
Form for Determinants of Patient Vital and a questionnaire to collect socio‑demographic
data, both designed for the study reported. The research group consisted of
94 patients. Their average age was 50, while the average duration of morbidity was
10 years. Results: the level of distress exceeded the cut‑off point (4), and it is correlated
with negative emotions. The acceptance of the illness is negatively correlated with negative
emotions and physical symptoms associated with the illness. In addition, the average
level of distress varies significantly in patients with low, medium and high levels
of negative emotions and significantly differs in patients with middle and high levels of
acceptance of the disease. |