Family Support, Age, and Emotional States of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients

Abstract

This study attempted to explore the neglected area of the emotional states of the dying and its relation to age and family support. Twenty-six terminally ill cancer patients in Nam Long Hospital were divided into groups according to age (young versus old) and family support received (without versus with immediate family support). Structured interviews were conducted and the content of the patients' verbal response was analyzed by the Content Analysis of Verbal Behavior. It was found that younger patients expressed more bargaining and complaints than older patients who revealed more depression and acceptance. Patients with immediate family support expressed less depression and more fears than those without. Age was also found to have an interaction with family support on the emotional state of anger. Significant correlations among some emotional states were found. The present study enables a better understanding of dying cancer patients. Implications for future research are also discussed.