Resumo

PELAEZ DORO, Maribel et al. The cancer and its symbolic representation. Psicol. cienc. prof. [online]. 2004, vol.24, n.2, pp. 120-133. ISSN 1414-9893.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the symbolic representation of cancer, in order to help health professionals, patients, relatives involved, and others who might have interest on this subject, through questionnaires. The research collected data to show the different reactions of people directly involved with cancer. The results show that, despite of the demographic differences, the answers were extremely taken as personal. The self image interferes on the perception, reactions, and time line organization of the patients and those affected by the symbolic contamination. As the death gets closer to the patients, this research might help to improve the existents methods of treatment. Not so ever, in order to help others, it is necessary to fortify own self image. After all, we, health professionals are the ones to reproduce those images along the centuries, despite of the scientific improvements.

Palavras-chave : Cancer; Symbolic representation; Quality of life.

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