Scholarly record

SELF-BLAME AND DENIAL OF BLAME. TWO OPPOSED COPING STRATEGIES OF CANCER PATIENTS

K. Sinanska, L. Tothova, E. Ziakova, T. Ziakova

Abstract

Cancer is a dreaded disease due to its magnitude, prevalence and incidence. In connection with this, a number of theories have emerged that explain the possible causes of the origin and development of this disease. Enormous burden enters to life of cancer patients with the onset of disease. Disease has not only a biological, but also a psychic, social and spiritual component, and disease affects all these components of life at the same time. It is not just the diagnosis itself and its impact on the health of the individual, but it is also about all the consequences it causes. Cancer and cancer patient should be perceived in their complexity. In study authors are focused on coping with cancer as a burden situation. They analyze the concept of self-blame and denial of blame, which oncology patients use as opposed coping strategies to manage their disease. The study also provides a link between the use of these coping strategies and the personality characteristics of patients. Authors respect the importance of using gender-sensitive language. For the clarity of the study, they use the term patient, respondent, social worker, but they think for both gender.

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