Meaning and existential givens in the lives of cancer patients: A philosophical perspective on psycho-oncology

Abstract

Meaning in life and existential givens are intertwined. Therefore, we suggest that it is necessary for psycho-oncologists to address both. Further clinical validation is required.

The effect of spiritual interventions addressing existential themes using a narrative approach on quality of life of cancer patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Provision of spiritual care is regarded as part of palliative care and aims at addressing the existential needs of patients, including questions about meaning of life and death, as well as the search for peace, spiritual resources, hope and help in overcoming fears . Indeed, spiritual needs can become of particular importance when one is facing the finitude of life . The possibility to discuss existential questions is one of the unmet needs of advanced cancer patients who are confronted with the end of life .…”

An exploration of psychotherapists’ experiences in medically driven cancer care settings

“…These findings raise an interesting question: ‘How can clients, psychotherapists and medical professionals communicate when a common language is lacking?’ The focus on the existential aspects of the clients’ illnesses and experiences of loss is highlighted in the literature (Heywood & Loewenthal, ; LeMay & Wilson, ; Lockett, ; O'Brien, ; Vos, ). All participants suggested that knowledge of medical language can help communication with health professionals, but it can represent an element of distraction from clients’ narratives.…”

“…In contrast, according to Vos (), psychological interventions for clients in psycho‐oncology settings should address meanings in life and existential givens as these are embedded in the client's narrative and intertwined with each other. Thus, the therapist's flexibility to be open to what emerges in the therapeutic encounter (LeMay & Wilson, ) and to the clients’ meanings of life, loss and pain (Curran & Kobos, ) is paramount.…”

“…From existing literature, divergent opinions emerge about the skills and knowledge needed by psychotherapists working in cancer settings, such as hospitals or charity organisations. Some authors (Becker, 2000;Conti, 1989;Heppner et al, 2009;Iwamitsu et al, 2013;Krenz, Godel, Stagno, Stiefel & Ludwig, 2014;Myers, Stephens, Boyce & Hermann, 1991;O'Brien, 2014) believe psychotherapists should have knowledge of medical language and of cancer diseases, while others (Curran & Kobos, 1980;Heywood & Loewenthal, 2007;Keeling, 1976;LeMay & Wilson, 2008;Lockett, 2009;O'Connor, Wicker & Germino, 1990;Parkinson, 2003;Vos, 2014) emphasise an existential approach to counselling. Heppner et al (2009) suggest counsellors and other health professionals should have training in cancer symptoms and treatments.…”

Injured Self: Autobiographical Memory, Self-Concept, and Mental Health Risk in Breast Cancer Survivors

“…This closely-knit and reciprocal interconnection between the Self and autobiographical memories is conceptualized as the Self-Memory System (SMS) (Conway, 2005 ), a process with long-lasting effects on individuals' attitude and behaviors (Giffard et al, 2013 ; Morel et al, 2015 ). The Self modulates the access to long-term knowledge (Conway, 2005 ) influencing mood states and meaning making of life events (Henry et al, 2010 ; Vos, 2015 ; Franco et al, 2017 ). For this reason, the flexibility of SMS is essential to reach individual goals of emotion regulation in an appropriate and calibrated manner thanks to the healthy association between self-representations and autobiographical memory (especially the self-defining ones) (Josephson et al, 1996 ).…”