[Conquering the fear of death in a lung cancer patient by reminiscence therapy]

Hu Li Za Zhi. 2004 Aug;51(4):101-6.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to share a successful nursing experience involving a hospitalized lung cancer patient who suffered a fear of death from the terminal disease. After witnessing the process of resuscitation on a neighboring patient while hospitalized, the subject patient developed a negative mental response, refusing any treatment, developing a negative attitude to life, and retreating into total social isolation. The experience of witnessing the resuscitation induced a sense of fear of death in facing the terminal disease. Utilizing a non-structural and personal reminiscence therapy, the nurse provided individualistic and humane nursing care after realizing the unique needs of the terminal patient, and was able to help the patient to diminish the feeling of fear, regain self-awareness, and be well prepared for death.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Attitude to Death*
  • Fear / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / nursing
  • Lung Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Psychotherapy / methods