Date of Award
2007
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The experience of living with cancer is complex and multidimensional. A qualitative approach was used to explore the lived experience of individuals with cancer along three specific dimensions: death anxiety, relationships, and isolation. The participants were over 18 years old, lived in the Midwest, and were actively being treated for cancer. A number of themes emerged from the data. The participants discussed the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and outlook, utilizing sources of support, and the strength and support obtained from religious beliefs. Additionally, there was a process participants described as they came to terms with having cancer. Participants also appeared to possess an openness to discussing their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes toward death and dying. None of the participants endorsed feelings of isolation in regard to relationships with others. In addition to these themes, the participants provided advice for other cancer patients and treatment providers. These findings ran counter to previous findings for similar patient groups.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Christopher, "The Lived Experience Of Individuals With Cancer: Death Anxiety, Relationships, And *Isolation" (2007). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1092.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1092