Interdependence mode
Social support, defined as a relationship involving two or
more people to help solve a material or psychological problem (Moser & Worster 2000, Samarel et al. 2002), serves as an important element in adaptation to a long-term disease (Willoughby et al. 2000). Ek et al. (2011) observed that patients with COPD who received oxygen therapy and lived alone, lost their autonomy. Family members, friends, and the healthcare team can affect this adaptation (Samarel et al. 1998, Kas¸ıkc¸ ı & Alberto 2006). The interdependence mode of RAM underlines the presence of social support and satisfactory relationships (Pearson et al. 2005, Roy 2009). The study showed that perceived PSS-Fr significantly increased following patient education according to RAM. We can interpret this result as a sign that the intervention group patients became disposed to share their feelings with their circles of close friends, were not reticent in asking for help and did not experience social isolation.