Understanding denial.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the adaptive and maladaptive uses of denial while developing a clearer understanding of denial.


METHODS
Nursing and psychological periodicals and textbooks.


RESULTS
Oncology nurses tend to have too broad a definition of denial because they overgeneralize similar patient responses and label them as denial. Because of the uncertainty as to its value, denial is viewed as a negative, fixed response to a crisis and can strain the nurse-patient relationship.


CONCLUSIONS
Denial is a fluid, interpersonal experience that can affect patients during many points of the cancer experience. By experiencing a clearer understanding of denial and recognizing its adaptive value, nurses can provide more effective patient care.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should not underestimate the value of the nurse-patient relationship when a patient is in denial. Patience, understanding, and self-awareness are crucial for providing a safe, trusting environment for patients who are experiencing denial.
Stephenson
Pamela Shockey
PS
Forum Health, Youngstown, OH, USA. pstephenson@forumhealth.org
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005239:Fear; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D012934:Social Isolation; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology