Patient-Perceived Changes in the System of Values After Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

A cross-sectional study investigated changes in patients’ value systems following a diagnosis of cancer. Fifty patients at 1 to 6 months following cancer diagnosis, were asked to compare their current values with their recollection of past values. Using the Rokeach Value Survey we obtained statistically significant results showing that twenty-seven out of thirty-six values changed their importance from the patients’ perspective: 16 values significantly increased, while 11 values significantly decreased in importance. Changes with respect to nine values were insignificant. We indentified clusters of values increasing in importance the most: Religious morality (Salvation, Forgiving, Helpful, Clean), Personal orientation (Self-Respect, True Friendship, Happiness), Self-constriction (Self-Controlled, Obedient, Honest), Family security (Family Security, Responsible), and Delayed gratification (Wisdom, Inner Harmony). We also observed that the following value clusters decreased in importance: Immediate gratification (An Exciting Life, Pleasure, A Comfortable Life); Self-expansion (Capable, Ambitious, Broadminded), Competence (A Sense of Accomplishment, Imaginative, Intellectual). The remaining values belonged to clusters that as a group changed slightly or not at all. Practical implications of the study are discussed.

An explorative analysis of the differences in levels of happiness between cancer patients, informal caregivers and the general population

“…According to a Buddhist aphorism, "we all want to be happy and not suffer". However, the results of this study suggest that suffering (either experiencing it oneself and/or observing it in someone close), although undesirable, has a role in individual growth in healthy individuals and individuals with chronic diseases (such as cancer) [15,17,20,21]. Cancer patients exclusively receiving palliative care had reduced perceptions of happiness and life satisfaction compared with the other groups of cancer patients, as expected.…”

“…In addition, happier cancer patients are more likely to report positive expectations about the future; have more life goals; have greater optimism and hope; experience and positive changes within their relationships; are better at coping with problems; and have higher spirituality levels [18,21,33]. Acceptance of the cancer diagnosis and the "path" through treatment are often seen as psychosocial and spiritual transitions that can lead to a restructuring of values and can reflect how patients assess life and their sense of happiness [20,21]. Thus, it is important to evaluate happiness in cancer patients and to seek methods to promote it, i.e., through providing support during treatment or encouraging the development of positive characteristics unrelated to the disease or its treatment.…”

“…From a psychological point of view, cancer can be considered a psychosocial transition with potential for positive and negative changes [19]. Perceptible changes are reported in personal value priorities after a cancer diagnosis, and can lead individuals to restructure their values and the way they perceive life [20,21]. One question worthy of further study is the relation between current suffering and the perception of happiness/life satisfaction.…”

Searching for wisdom in oncology care: A scoping review

“…Six articles depicted wisdom as something acquired and/or passed on—even as a legacy—from the illness experience with cancer (Austin, 2001; Costa & Pakenham, 2012; Gessert et al, 2004; Greszta & Siemińska, 2011; McTaggart, 2001; Williams, 1995). Costa and Pakenham's (2012) study focused on “benefit finding” (BF) as a capacity some individuals mobilize in adversity.…”

Long‐term views on chronic kidney disease research priorities among stakeholders engaged in a priority‐setting partnership: A qualitative study

“…To our knowledge, no other study has systematically addressed the ways in which stakeholders' research priorities, and those of patients in particular, may change over time. Other research has explored how patients' health‐care priorities and value systems may change as a consequence of new medical diagnoses and/or multimorbidity. In the area of public deliberation, the views of citizens' jury participants may be influenced by their jury experience, and in one study, these views were retained upon questionnaire several weeks later .…”