Cognitive science speaks to the "common-sense" of chronic illness management

Ann Behav Med. 2011 Apr;41(2):152-63. doi: 10.1007/s12160-010-9246-9.

Abstract

We describe the parallels between findings from cognitive science and neuroscience and Common-Sense Models in four areas: (1) Activation of illness representations by the automatic linkage of symptoms and functional changes with concepts (an integration of declarative and perceptual and procedural knowledge); (2) Action plans for the management of symptoms and disease; (3) Cognitive and behavioral heuristics (executive functions parallel to recent findings in cognitive science) involved in monitoring and modifying automatic control processes; (4) Perceiving and communicating to "other minds" during medical visits to address the declarative and non-declarative (perceptual and procedural) knowledge that comprise a patient's representations of illness and treatment (the transparency of other minds).

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease / prevention & control
  • Chronic Disease / psychology*
  • Chronic Disease / therapy
  • Cognitive Science / methods*
  • Disease Management*
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological
  • Precision Medicine / methods
  • Translational Research, Biomedical / methods