Cancer and autonomy.
The idea to be reflected upon in this article concerns choice as a basic act in case of illness. Choices are precondition for decision making, decision making is crucial during the course of an illness. The making of choices depends on autonomy as a characteristic of identity. This article describes different psychological characteristics of autonomous behavior, some options for the health professional to accordingly interact with the patient, his history and future and the consequences for the provoking of stress during the diagnostic and treatment procedures. Stress remaining an important and probably decisive factor in the course of an illness like cancer.
Bergsma
Jurrit
J
Medical Humanities, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA. jurrit.b@planet.nl
D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011340:Problem Solving; D011788:Quality of Life