Facing mortality: A qualitative in-depth interview study on illness perception, lay theories and coping strategies of adult patients with acute leukemia 1 week after diagnosis

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• 作者：Michael Koenigsmann ; Katharina Koehler ; Andreas Regner ; Astrid Franke and Jö ; rg Frommer
• 关键词：Illness perception ; Lay theories ; Coping strategies ; Acute leukaemia ; Quality of life ; Qualitative research
• 刊名：Leukemia Research
• 出版年：2006
• 出版时间：September 2006
• 年：2006
• 卷：30
• 期：9
• 页码：1127-1134
• 全文大小：106 K

文摘

In patients with acute leukemia we investigated the illness perceptions, lay theories and coping strategies 1 week after diagnosis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 patients. The transcribed interviews were analyzed by methods of qualitative research. Dramatic narrations of overwhelming threat in younger patients contrast to rationalization in elderly patients. Feelings of helplessness and efforts of normalization become apparent. Intense descriptions of physical injury due to invasive procedures allow verbalizing the fear of the disease. While coping strategies are complex, the overall importance of trust is recognized. Mortal fears are indirectly indicated. The results have consequences for psycho-oncological training and patient education.