Abstract

CRISTINA BATISTA DE MELO, Mônica et al. Family functioning of patients with cancer. Psicol. rev. (Belo Horizonte) [online]. 2012, vol.18, n.1, pp. 78-89. ISSN 1677-1168.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5752/P.1678-9563.2012v18n1p73.

Becoming ill with cancer produces an emotional impact in the patient and family, threatening the mental health of both. Knowing the importance of family in patient care, the study aims to understand how the family organizes itself to deal with the disease and the patient, and thus, contribute to the comprehension of this reality from the perspective of family therapy. The research analyzed, using the structural system theory, the pattern of interaction in family groups of patients and identified changes in their organization and functioning afterafter the cancer was diagnosed. The sample consisted of 83 patients at the Cancer Hospital of Pernambuco and data collection period was from July to August 2009. It is a qualitative study; data obtained from interviews was analyzed in accordance with content analysis the technique. The results revealed changes in family organization following the illness and treatment. In conclusion, we perceive that family members had the flexibility to change roles in order to fulfill the tasks of daily life, care for the patient and organize, focusing on providing support and protection to its members and the patient confirmation of the importance of flexibility and family support to solve problems and as a strategy for mental health

Keywords : Family; Operation; Cancer.

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