Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
GRIEF PROCESS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AIDS PATIENTS AND CANCER PATIENTS (IMMUNE DEFICIENCY)
Diss Abstr Int [B]; 50(4):1638 1989. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/90659858 Myrick-Torres JJ; United States International Univ.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between AIDS patients and Cancer patients in regard to the grief process as described by the Kubler-Ross model of stages of loss. Method. The Affective Response to Illness Scale (ARIS) was modified from a validated, unnamed questionnaire. The ARIS asked subjects to respond to 28 questions by choosing one of four statements: much similarity, some similarity, little similarity, or no similarity. A comments section was included with each question to give the subject an opportunity for additional input. The ARIS was administered to a total of 31 volunteer diagnosed AIDS patients and 30 Cancer patients in physicians' offices, community agencies and by personal contacts. Fourteen hypotheses were proposed concerning how a patient responds in terms of emotional adjustment to the disease. Results: Two hypotheses were accepted and twelve were rejected. It was determined that people with AIDS became significantly more depressed than people with Cancer. Also, anxieties related to death were significantly greater for the AIDS than for the Cancer group. Content analysis indicated, in general, a validation of statistical findings. Content analysis indicated greater differences among the AIDS group than among the Cancer group in regard to the stage of anger. In addition, the comments made by the AIDS group involved greater depth and feeling levels. In contrast, the Cancer group utilized more defenses, such as intellectualization, rationalization and information giving. AIDS respondents indicated a need to talk about their losses, while Cancer respondents tended to analyze their grief. People with AIDS indicated their greatest need was family and peer support. Social stigmas have forced people with AIDS to support each other and this has resulted in the formation of close, emotional bonding within the gay community. Findings from the study indicated negative lifestyle habits such as widespread depression, substance abuse, unsafe sex and poor health habits. Content analysis indicated some PWAs experience intense spiritual and personal growth. (Full text available from University Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, MI, as Order No. AAD89-14609)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY Adaptation, Psychological Defense Mechanisms *Grief Human Neoplasms/*PSYCHOLOGY Personality Tests *Sick Role THESIS 900630
M9060644
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
