Abstract

ESPINDOLA, Amanda Valério et al. Dignity therapy for adults with cancer receiving palliative care: a case report. Temas psicol. [online]. 2017, vol.25, n.2, pp. 733-747. ISSN 1413-389X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.9788/TP2017.2-18.

This study describes the efficacy of the dignity therapy intervention with a 52 year old cancer patient undergoing palliative care. The aim of the work was to evaluate the efficacy of the dignity therapy. This is a case study, developed in fourteen meetings, before and after which the following instruments were used: Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Patient Dignity Inventory. Qualitative data analysis was performed, with the establishment of thematic categories. It was observed that, after the completion of the intervention, there was a reduction in the level of depression (40 to 29 points) and improvement in the sense of dignity of the patient (104 to 76 points), although there was an increase in the level of anxiety (46 to 53 points). It was highlighted that the Dignity Therapy technique favored the recovery of positive memories, the possibility to repent and ask for forgiveness and the proximity of the family members at the end of life. This was represented in the legacy document, provided by the Dignity Therapy technique, and it was concluded that the Dignity Therapy was effective.

Keywords : Dignity Therapy; palliative care; Health Psychology; Psycho-Oncology.

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