Hope in cancer treatment

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Journal

Psychiatric Annals

Volume

44

Issue

7

DOI

10.3928/00485713-20140707-04

Abstract

Research studies have repeatedly found hope to be a major determinant of effective coping with the distress and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis. Hope may also have direct salutatory physiological effects that extend upon positive psychological effects. Psychotherapeutic strategies for building hope are most fruitful with cancer patients when hope is regarded as a skilled practice rather than an emotional reaction to one's circumstances. Three general strategies for mobilizing hope include: (1) individual problemsolving strategies, (2) relational coping strategies, and (3) strategies for mobilizing a core identity. Assessing a patient's coping style when facing past adversities can guide the selection of a hope-building strategy for coping with cancer. Illustrative cases demonstrate how different hopebuilding strategies can be implemented within the scope of brief psychotherapy. © SLACK Incorporated.

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