Patterning of Facial Expressions among Terminal Cancer Patients

Abstract

The possible significance of nonverbal communication in terminal illness was evaluated in forty-nine terminal cancer patients. Utilizing the Ekman and Friesen Facial Scoring Technique, individual items were reassessed for reliability across judges and within each emotional measure. Factorial invariance was also demonstrated. Theory suggested a patterning of emotional states in early, middle, and late stages of illness, and facial expressions evaluated during interviews demonstrated mixed support for pertinent hypotheses. Fear was highest in the early period, as hypothesized. Sadness increased regularly from the early to the late phase. No patterning was found for anger and happiness. It is concluded that work in this area looks promising and may aid in communication with and treatment of dying patients.