Invisible Chronic Illness in Female College Students

This study examined how female students negotiate the experience of college while living with an invisible chronic illness. Four research questions were explored. Quantitative data, through the use of online surveys, were collected from 105 female students living with a chronic illness enrolled at a medium-sized university in the Southwestern U.S. Results indicated that the majority of participants view their illness as a serious condition that has impacted their life. The majority of respondents reported that they feel capable of completing college, obtaining a job, and view themselves as a person of worth; however, nearly all respondents reported they have avoided social situations in college because of their chronic illness. The majority of participants indicated they accept their chronic illness diagnosis and about half reported that they engage in healthy coping behaviors. We discuss implications of the findings for administrators and disability support services and suggest additional research.