Sofrimento e coping na doença oncológica

Abstract

Among all existing illnesses, oncologic disease is among the main causes of death both in Portugal and worldwide. Usually, its treatment extends throughout time and it a source of suffering with negative consequences in everyday life for the patient and his/her family. Therefore, this thesis consists of a meta-analysis regarding suffering and coping among oncologic patients, by analysing several psychological intervention programs aimed toward women whom have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It has been possible to conclude that this illness affects the patient in various ways, causing significative suffering and demanding several coping strategies in order to adapt to the disease. Therefore, it is possible to reach the conclusion that a purely clinical intervention among these patients might not be sufficiently efficient. The implementation of psychological intervention programs is needed to allow the patients to deal with their suffering through the use of several techniques these might teach them. These conclusions should invalidate clear separations between the physical and psychic realms, a perspective which is presented and defended throughout this thesis.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	João Carlos Monteiro Major Silva (Supervisor)