Abstract

CAPITAO, Cláudio Garcia  and  ZAMPRONHA, Maria Amélia G.. Cancer in the adolescence: an estudy with projective instrument. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2004, vol.7, n.1, pp. 3-16. ISSN 1516-0858.

The present study has investigated the psychic dynamics of eight youngsters-four boys and four girls, aged 12 to 16 - cancer pacients, hosted with their tutors in an institution for treatment of adolescents.The instrument used for investigation was the Desiderative Questionnaire. There was presence of narcisism exacerbation as well as signs of sexual indefinition on most of the protocols, along with references to death as something to fear. The process of disease acquisition was fully presented as a rejected and devaluated aspect. There were in all protocols signs of self-devaluation, as consequence of internalized negative aspects related to the illness. As for the body scheme, it has been found condensed aspects of the self, vulnerable and fragile when facing possible situations felt as a threat. Among the observed defense mechanisms, there was a prevail on projection, split and, although in lesser intensity, negation as well. It was noticed too in the majority of the participants the presence of an under-structured superego, with more rigidity and requirement level. Some characteristics in the development of adolescence process were found to suffer complication in the youngsters of this group.

Keywords : Adolescence; Cancer; Desiderative questionnaire.

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