[The process of adaptation for relatives of cancer patients]

The purpose of this study was to explain the adaptation process of a family member of a cancer patient. The theoretical frameworks were the stress- and adaptation theories. The study was implemented by interviewing one family member of each of the 15 cancer patients in question. The interviews were recorded and the material was analyzed. For all of them the family member's taking ill was a shock. Ten of the test persons reacted physiologically. All of them used problem focused coping methods and almost all of them emotion focused coping methods as well. Every test person had received social support from other family members, relatives, and friends. Family members had received little support from the care personnel. Six interviewees were informed by them. One of them considered it sufficient. More than a half of the interviewees told that they would have needed mental support from the care personnel. None of the test persons had been asked by the care personnel if they wanted to talk about their situation. Two of them had asked for this themselves. One fourth of them stated that they had adapted to the situation well/very well.