The Impact of Terminal Illness on the Spouse

Abstract

This descriptive study explores the responses, concerns and problems of the hospitalized, terminally ill, cancer patient's spouse. The findings of the study suggest that spouses experience a deterioration in their health, disturbed thought processes, and a variety of emotional responses when confronted with the impending death of a husband / wife from cancer. Spouses are concerned about the physical symptoms, such as pain, experienced by the patient and their inability to communicate with him or her. The spouses’ problems centre on changes or anticipated changes in their lifestyle. An important finding of the study was the identification of a group of spouses who appear to be at risk. These spouses reported a high incidence of physical symptoms in relation to their own health, a high incidence of emotional responses, and numerous concerns.