Symbolic aspects of coping with chronic illness through textile arts

(Taken from Introduction) The relevance of art for people living with chronic physical illness is gradually being recognized (Kaye & Blee, 1997; Malchiodi, 1999). Chronic physical illness poses more than physical and functional problems. The person is also likely to face a range of negative emotions, including anxiety, anger and depression. Illness threatens taken-for-granted assumptions about the self and the future. The person’s core identity and self-esteem may be challenged, particularly where the illness leads to loss of roles, abandonment of valued activities and changes in social relationships (Charmaz, 1992; 1999)