The use of psychotherapy with dying patients: An exploratory study

A group of terminally ill patients received six sessions of psychotherapy. A second group of six patients served as nontreated controls. At the conclusion of the treatment sessions, psychotherapy patients reported a significantly greater increase in death-related anxiety and in their perceived purpo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical psychology 1975-10, Vol.31 (4), p.729-732
Main Authors: Zuehlke, Terry E., Watkins, John T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Anxiety - etiology
Attitude to Death
Consumer Behavior
Existentialism
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Psychotherapy
Self Concept
Stress, Psychological
Terminal Care
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Summary:A group of terminally ill patients received six sessions of psychotherapy. A second group of six patients served as nontreated controls. At the conclusion of the treatment sessions, psychotherapy patients reported a significantly greater increase in death-related anxiety and in their perceived purpose in life than did the nontreated group. Clinical impressions indicated that patients who participated in psychotherapy perceived their treatment experience positively and appreciated the opportunity to explore their feelings about imminent death. These results offer considerable support for the usefulness of psychotherapy to help such patients cope with the emotional stress generated by their limited life expectancy.
ISSN:0021-9762
1097-4679
DOI:10.1002/1097-4679(197510)31:4<729::AID-JCLP2270310439>3.0.CO;2-G