Characterizing death acceptance among patients with cancer
Rebecca Philipp1, Anja Mehnert2, Chris Lo3,4,5,6
1Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.
Psycho-Oncology
|February 15, 2019
Summary
Acceptance of death in cancer patients is linked to better adaptation. Higher death acceptance correlates with reduced anxiety and demoralization, indicating its adaptive role in cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Death acceptance may signify positive adaptation in cancer patients.
- Characteristics and impact of varying death acceptance levels on psychological distress are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore demographic, medical, and psychological factors associated with death acceptance.
- To understand the impact of death acceptance on psychological distress in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 307 mixed cancer patients was studied at baseline and 153 at 1-year follow-up.
- Death acceptance was assessed using the Life Attitude Profile-Revised.
- Psychological distress was measured using validated scales for demoralization, anxiety, and depression.
Main Results:
- Higher death acceptance was associated with older age, male gender, widowed status, and Stage IV cancer.
- Patients with lung cancer and those further from diagnosis showed lower death acceptance.
- High death acceptance predicted lower demoralization and anxiety at 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- High death acceptance is adaptive, predicting reduced existential distress and anxiety.
- Advanced cancer diagnosis does not prevent death acceptance.
- Psychosocial interventions should consider addressing death-related concerns in cancer patients.
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