Control and coping for individuals with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis: A position paper

Abstract

The hemodialysis regimen required to treat end stage renal disease (ESRD) can be extremely rigid, requiring individuals to adapt to and cope with multiple acute and chronic stressors. Stressors for individuals on hemodialysis can be treatment-related such as dietary and fluid restrictions and ingesting handfuls of medications, or psychosocial in nature such as alterations in sexual function, changes in self-perception, and fear of death. Coping for individuals with ESRD can be adaptive or maladaptive. Adaptive coping can produce desirable outcomes, such as employment and successful functioning within the family. If coping is maladaptive, however, marital and family …