Guilt reactions in patients with cancer

Psychological Determinants in the Covalescence of Accident Patients

“…However, there are also results in the literature that support our finding. Abrams and Finesinger (1953) concluded from their study of cancer patients that self-blame can be associated with guilt, shame, or feelings of inferiority. Therefore, they hold that it is maladaptive and interferes with the positive process of coping.…”

“…This perceived responsibility and false blame apparently has an adaptive function. On the other hand, Abrams and Finesinger (1953) found that self-blame for cancer was associated with poorer adjustment because of feelings of guilt, shame, or inferiority. In a study on patients suffering from breast cancer, Taylor et al (1984) reported that self-blame was neither adaptive nor maladaptive.…”

Historical Threads in the Development of Oncology Social Work

“…In 1953, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Ruth Abrams,’ an MSW working in the MGH Tumor Clinic, published, “Guilt Reactions in patients with cancer.”(R. F. J. Abrams, 1953a) Her paper, “The Patient with Cancer: His Changing Pattern of Communication” led to Abrams receiving the Harriett M. Bartlett Award (Simmons College Library Archives) in 1966.(R. Abrams, 1966).…”

Psychosocial Adjustment to Breast Cancer: A Review of Selected Literature

“…These responses are somewhat time-bound in that the woman passes through a process that can include many different responses at different stages . Common responses include anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, fear, regression and denial [3,25,40,[44][45][46][47][48][49].…”