psychology of cancer- death and survival

Question 1

thanatology

Answer 1

• subsection of pschyology which deals with death
• the scientific study of death and the practices associated with it, including the study of the needs of the terminally ill and their families.

Question 2

national cancer stats (relative, wont need specifics but could be good to know)

Answer 2

• about 1 in 2 cancdians will develop cancer in their lifetimes and 1 and 3 will die bc of it
• 64% of canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis
• 5- year survival rate up 9% from the early 90s

Question 3

Why is understanding the reality of death important? Consider this question from the perspectives of evolution, ecology, physiology.
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Question 4

How do we define ‘Psychology of Fear?’***

Answer 4

• fear is a primal emotion that involves a universal biochemical response and a high individual emotional response
• connect to reason for emotion???

Question 5

What is the Kubler-Ross Grief Cycle? Explain the Grief Cycle applying Social Psych concepts.***

Answer 5

• denial
  cognitive dissonance? know / think one thing but want to believe another
• change resistamce/ group dynamics. Refuse to accept the reality of the situation
• anger
  Identity crisis- realization of new reality. Anger directed at what caused change
• bargaining
• depression
• acceptance
  Adaption to change. Adjusting to new norms.
• putting into context where someone is in their grief cycle
• the peaks rep the level of intesity of emotion

Question 6

Defining a ‘good death’ is complex. What are common concepts within personal definitions?

Answer 6

• hard to define. It is a complex, individual concept
• no way for one external, all-encompassing definition
  Common themes:
• preferences for dying (ie. painless, in sleep etc)
• pain free status: not suffering
• emotional wellbeing: emotional support and psychological comfort
• family: family support, acceptance of death, preparedness for death, not burden
• dignity: respect and independence
• life completion: saying goodbye, acceptance of death
• religious/ spirituality
• treatment preference: not prolonging life, belief all treatment were used
• quality of life
• relationship with healthcare provider

Question 7

How is emotional intelligence linked to cancer diagnosis.

Answer 7

• getting diagnosed with cancer is difficult
• range of emotions and outlooks
• emotional intelligence can allow indoviduals to process their feeling and also the feelings of others around them
• also relates to healthcare providers. Significant number of care providers experience psychological distress, in turn affecting their ability to cope and provide support
• clinic staff are at risk of pschyological morbity and burnout

Question 8

What are some psychological disorders associated with cancer diagnosis?

Answer 8

• 33-50% of cancer pateitns experience psycological disorders, with 20-25% reaching caseness for depression
• 15-30% of patients sufficently distressed to require professional help at some point during their cancer trajectory
  some common psych disorders in patients:
• anxiety
• depression
• adjustment disorders
• interpersonal difficulties
• insomnia
• trauma related problems
• body image proble

Question 9

Why is emotional intelligence and social psychology important to ‘surviving cancer?’

Answer 9

• first couple years after diagnosis, often filled with treatment for patients
• to to five years after diagnosis requires close follow up
• after five years, most have completed treatment but some may still require clinical monitoring
• positive outlook on treatment may be benefical. Placebo affect in a way. Belif you are going to survive will help you survive

Question 10

What is a ‘timeline of survival?’ Explain applying the ‘Greif Cycle.’

Answer 10

-treatment completion
- after 2 yeras: early surviorshiip
- after 5 years: long term survivor ship
- fear or recurrence: bagining
- depression
- fatigue
- cognitive impairment
- pain
- finding benefit: accepetance
- denial: denial of initial diagnosis and/or recurrance.
- anger: angry that this happened to them/ their family.
- bargaining: fear of recurrence
- depression: cognitive disorders. Depression. Upset that cancer has affected their life. Likely had large change to life while undergoing treatment. This could be very upsetting/ lead to depression
- acceptance: finding benefit

Question 11

Is there benefit in being diagnosed with cancer?

Answer 11

• able to see benefit in life where maybe didnt before
• stregenthened interpersonal realtionships
• commitment to life priorities
• life appreciation
• personal regard and attention to health behaviours
• appreciate the little things more and make time for important things in life