The Emotional Response and Coping Pattern by Age among Patients with Cancer

암 환자의 연령에 따른 정서반응과 대처양상

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in emotional response and coping pattern by age among cancer patients. Method: As descriptive research, from November 2000 to April 2001, data was collected with semi-structured questionnaire to 90 adult cancer patients, and analyzed using quantitative analysis. Result: Most emotional response at the time of diagnosis of cancer is despair in 20-39years & more than 60 years, and Impact in 40-59years. In emotional response during treatment by age, there were most much hope in 20-39 years, fear in 40-59years, and acceptance in more than 60years. In difficulties by age during treatment, there were most much mental burden in 20-29years, problems about occupation/finance in 40-59years, and physical discomfort related to treatment in more than 60 years. Resolution of difficulties of treatment shows avoidance in 20-39years, active participation in 40-59years and compliance in more than 60 years. Coping pattern during treatment was positive thinking in 20-39years, refreshment in 40-59years, and despair/avoidance in more than 60 years. Coping with treatment & progress shows in 20-39years maintenance of current health, 40-59years impossible to recover, more than 60year health recovery. Conclusion: Nursing could be considered emotional response and coping pattern according to age.