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01-04-2006 | Original Article

Relevance of philosophy of life and optimism for psychological distress among individuals in a stage where death is approaching

Authors: Jeanette Winterling, Elisabet Wasteson, Birgitta Sidenvall, Erik Sidenvall, Bengt Glimelius, Per-Olow Sjödén, Karin Nordin

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 4/2006

Abstract

The purpose was to investigate the relevance of philosophy of life as well as optimism for the psychological distress among Swedish individuals in a stage where death is approaching. Sixty-nine persons were included; of these were 42 patients newly diagnosed with advanced gastrointestinal cancer and 26 were partners to these patients. The participants’ philosophy of life was studied through a semi-structured interview. The interview statements were subjected to content analysis. Optimism was measured by the Life Orientation Test and psychological distress by the Hospitality and Depression Scale. The results showed that optimistic respondents had less psychological distress. Two aspects of philosophy of life had relevance for such distress. These were wondering about why the cancer had occurred and having a feeling of being able to live a good life having or living near a person with advanced cancer. In conclusion, the above-mentioned aspects of philosophy of life as well as optimism have relevance for psychological distress among these individuals, which stress the importance that health-care staff address both patients’ and their partners’ concerns about their philosophy of life.

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Title: Relevance of philosophy of life and optimism for psychological distress among individuals in a stage where death is approaching
Authors: Jeanette Winterling
Elisabet Wasteson
Birgitta Sidenvall
Erik Sidenvall
Bengt Glimelius
Per-Olow Sjödén
Karin Nordin
Publication date: 01-04-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 4/2006
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0870-z

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