The authors have created the Illness Relationship Impact Inventory (IRII) as one concrete way of examining each person’s personal relationship with illness during their formative years. These early experiences texture the impact on one’s experience of illness as an adult. Some suggestions based on the first author’s personal relationship to multiple sclerosis are combined with sample behavioral science theory relative to the impact of illness in couples and families. Discussion questions and “next steps” commitment for positive improvement in that aspect of the relationship conclude the article.
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