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Pensando familias

Print version ISSN 1679-494X

Abstract

BARROS, Sibelle Maria Martins de; ANDRADE, Maria Angélica Carvalho  and  SIQUEIRA, Flávia Alves Aguiar. Caring for a family member with cancer: contributions from systemic family therapy. Pensando fam. [online]. 2013, vol.17, n.2, pp. 96-110. ISSN 1679-494X.

Faced with the advent of a cancer in the family, some members take responsibility for care to sick family member and usually feel overwhelmed and unsupported. In order to better understand this phenomenon, the present study aimed to investigate the experience of caring for a family member with cancer, based on contributions of family therapy approach, specifically Narrative Therapy. The participants were four caregivers, three women and a man, aged between 37 and 44 years. The research tools used were the genogram and semi-structured interview. For data analysis we used the content analysis. The results indicated family contexts characterized by violence, poverty and rejection, difficulties in dealing with the sick family member daily and have to give up their routine in a setting with limited resources and support family. Positive aspects were also identified such as personal change and happiness. We highlight the importance of new practices that reinforce the positive aspects of the experiences of caregivers and consider the family dynamics of each system.

Keywords : Family caregivers; Cancer; Public health; Family therapy.

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