The fifith edition of this popular text continues to focus on the many factors that influence clients and families dealing with chronic illn ess, including the sociological, psychological, ethical, cultural, org anizational, and financial aspects of chronic illness. It is the only book on the market that looks specifically at the psychosocial issues of chronic illness, and not just the physical aspects of the disease. The focus is on the illness experience and not the disease from the medical point of view. New content includes chapters on powerlessness, home health care, politics and policy, and long term care.