Existential issues do not necessarily result in existential suffering: lessons from cancer patients in Israel.
Existential distress has been recognized as a source of suffering for oncology patients. This study focusses on existential issues and coping mechanisms of a unique culturally diverse Jewish/Middle Eastern oncology population. A qualitative assessment of 40 patients with advanced cancer was undertaken through an interview process addressing the following themes: autonomy, dignity/body image, social isolation, coping mechanisms, guilt/past disappointments, spiritual health, meaning, hope and death/dying. The findings of this study indicate that existential concerns are endemic in this patient population, but that significant distress is relatively uncommon. Early palliative measures, family support, effective coping strategies, and religious belief systems may influence the way patients with advanced cancer deal with existential concerns.
Blinderman
Craig D
CD
Department of Family Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Centre, New York, NY 10003, USA. cblinderman@rcn.com
Cherny
Nathan I
NI
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005086:Existentialism / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D013315:Stress, Psychological