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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 7/2008

01-07-2008 | Original Article

Dying cancer patients’ experiences of powerlessness and helplessness

Authors: Lisa Sand, Peter Strang, Anna Milberg

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 7/2008

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Abstract

Goals of work

Experiences of powerlessness and helplessness are closely linked to incurable diseases but seldom studied in patients with disseminated cancer. The aim is to explore the perception, experiences and significance of powerlessness and helplessness, to study triggering factors and to make quantifications.

Materials and methods

One hundred three patients, enrolled in four different palliative home-care settings, completed a questionnaire with both Likert-type questions and open-ended questions. The response rate was 58%, and background data was reported as frequencies, whereas the main material was analysed using a qualitative content analysis.

Main results

Impending death, symptoms, loss of control and autonomy, ignorance, isolation and uncertainty constituted the basis for powerlessness and helplessness, but each factor was reinforced by the occurrence of suddenness, high intensity and/or lengthiness. In total, 65% reported definite experiences of powerlessness and helplessness. These feelings also held a deeper meaning, involving aspects such as existential loneliness and hopelessness. They were ultimately caused by an incapacity to control feelings and cope with the situation related to the impending death. The results are discussed in relation to Cassel’s theory of suffering and existential psychology.
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Metadata
Title
Dying cancer patients’ experiences of powerlessness and helplessness
Authors
Lisa Sand
Peter Strang
Anna Milberg
Publication date
01-07-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 7/2008
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0359-z

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