Shape shifters: Biobehavioral determinants and phenomena in symptom research

Symptom assessment and management are critical to patient-centered care. Traditionally, the determinants of a symptom are viewed as separate from the phenomena associated with that symptom. By separating determinants and phenomena, however, the complexity and dynamism of the patient experience are ignored. Likewise, categorizing symptom determinants and phenomena as solely biological or behavioral minimizes their dimensionality and may hinder interdisciplinary dialogue. Here we propose that determinants and phenomena are not fixed but shift between each other depending on perspective. To illustrate this way of thinking the metaphor of the “shape shifter” from folklore is used. A shape shifter moves between states and may be seen differently by the same person at different times or by multiple individuals at one time. To guide discussion, we present 5 exemplars of increasing complexity, wherein a determinant becomes a phenomenon or vice versa, depending upon context. Suggestions for statistical testing of the model are included with each. We conclude by exploring how shifting between determinants and phenomena may affect symptom cluster assessment and management.