A person becomes aware of physical symptoms or limitations and recognizes they are unwell but does not know the specific diagnosis. Their symptoms include physical malaise, cognitive effects like feeling like they have the flu, and emotional worry about the consequences of illness. If symptoms persist and worsen, the person adopts the "sick role" and seeks confirmation from others that they are truly ill and should be excused from normal responsibilities. If home remedies do not help or emergency care is needed, the person is motivated to seek professional healthcare to validate the illness, explain symptoms, and provide reassurance or predict outcomes. The patient depends on healthcare providers for symptom relief and adopts a passive dependent role, accepting care and protection from life's

2. • The person is aware that something is wrong.
A person usually recognizes a physical
sensation or a limitation in functioning but
does not suspect a specific diagnosis.
• Three aspects:
– Physical (Fever, Muscle Aches, Malaise, Headache)
– Cognitive (Perception of “having flu”)
– Emotional (Worry on consequence of illness)

3. • If symptom persist and become severe, clients
assume the sick role. At this point, the illness
becomes a social phenomenon, and sick
people seek confirmation from their families
and social groups that they are indeed ill and
that they be excused from normal duties and
role expectations.

4. • If symptoms persist despite the home
remedies, become severe or require
emergency care, the person is motivated to
seek professional health services. In this stage
the client seeks expert acknowledgement of
the illness as well as the treatment.
• Validation of real illness; Explanation of
symptoms; Reassurance or prediction of
outcome

5. • The client depends on health care professionals
for the relief of symptoms. The client accepts
care, sympathy and protection from the demands
and stresses of life. A client can adopt the
dependent role in a health care institution, at
home, or in a community setting. The client must
also adjust to the disruption of a daily schedule.
• Accepts/rejects health professional’s suggestions;
becomes more passive and accepting; may
regress to an earlier behavioral stage

6. • This stage can arrive suddenly, such as when
the symptoms appeared. In the case of
chronic illness, the final stage may involve in
an adjustment to a prolong reduction in
health and functioning.
• Gives up the sick role and returns to former
roles and functions

7. • Behavioral and emotional changes
• Loss of autonomy
• Self-concept and body image changes
• Lifestyle changes On the Family
• Depends on:
– Member of the family who is ill
– Seriousness and length of the illness
– Cultural and social customs the family follows

8. • Role changes
• Task reassignments
• Increased demands on time
• Anxiety about outcomes
• Conflict about unaccustomed responsibilities
• Financial problems
• Loneliness as a result of separation and pending loss
• Change in social customs