Korean Journal of Adult Nursing (성인간호학회지)

Korean Society of Adult Nursing (한국성인간호학회)
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Focus Group Study on Psychosocial Distress of Cancer Patients

치료 중인 암 환자들의 심리사회적 어려움에 관한 포커스 그룹 연구

  • Yi, Myung-Sun (College of Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing, Seoul National University) ;
  • Kim, Jong-Heun (Psycho-oncology Clinic, National Cancer Center) ;
  • Park, Eun-Young (College of Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing, Seoul National University) ;
  • Kim, Jong-Nam (Department of Educational Psychology, Seoul Women's University) ;
  • Yu, Eun-Seung (Psycho-oncology Clinic, National Cancer Center.Department of Psychology, Korea University)
  • 이명선 (서울대학교 간호대학) ;
  • 김종흔 (국립암센터 정신건강클리닉 정신과) ;
  • 박은영 (서울대학교 간호대학) ;
  • 김종남 (서울여자대학교 교육심리학과) ;
  • 유은승 (국립암센터 정신건강클리닉.고려대학교 심리학과)
  • Received : 2009.10.19
  • Accepted : 2010.02.19
  • Published : 2010.02.28
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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to describe psychosocial difficulties experienced by cancer patients. Methods: Three focus group interviews were conducted to collect the data from 19 outpatients with cancer undergoing treatments during 2009. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis of grounded theory. Results: As a result of constant comparative analysis, 'psychosocial distress' was identified as a core category, and seven subcategories were identified. 'Plunged into negative emotions' and 'damaged self-identity' were identified as major categories in the individual dimension. 'Difficulty in dealing with diagnosis' and 'hasty expectations and concerns' were identified in the dimension of family. 'Inefficient communication' and 'lack of necessary information' were identified in the dimension of health care setting. 'Lonely journey into a strange territory' was identified in the dimension of society. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that cancer patients experience a wide range of psychosocial problems. Thus, in assessing and relieving psychosocial distress of cancer patients, it is necessary to focus not only on the level of the individual but also on the levels of family, health care setting, and society in general is necessary.

Keywords

References

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