An exploration of anticipatory grief in advanced cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
Research on anticipatory grief (AG) has been more focused on the experience of relatives than the terminally ill patients. This study will present qualitative 'thick descriptions' of advanced cancer patient's experience of AG and explore how it is experienced in the family context.


METHODS
Seven advanced incurable cancer patients (median 58 years) were recruited from the day hospice and five patients comprised the final sample. Participants were invited to attend focus groups and individual interviews to discuss their experience of terminal illness, thoughts and feelings related to AG and how they cope with losses and grief in the family. Qualitative transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.


RESULTS
Two inter-related themes of AG were identified. The first main theme 'subjective experience of AG' comprises confrontations with death and multiple losses; and resistance against death and loss. The second main theme 'experience of AG in the family' explored the patient's role in the family interaction patterns and interpersonal processes.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding in the subjective experience of AG in terminally ill patients and their experience of AG in the family may contribute to the development of psychotherapeutic interventions. The generative role of the patient in the family grief process is also highlighted.
Cheng
Joanna O Y
JO
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. chengoiyue@cuhk.edu.hk
Lo
Raymond S K
RS
Chan
Faye M Y
FM
Kwan
Bonnie H F
BH
Woo
Jean
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003142:Communication; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D009769:Object Attachment; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012718:Set, Psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*