Abstract

BORGES, Gizelle Mendes  and  PERES, Rodrigo Sanches. Defense Mechanisms Among Patients with Relapsed Cancer: A Clinical-Qualitative Study. Psicol. pesq. [online]. 2013, vol.7, n.2, pp. 171-179. ISSN 1982-1247.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5327/Z1982-1247201300020005.

The present study aimed to investigate the defense mechanisms used by patients with relapsed cancer. This is a clinical-qualitative study, which involved eight patients evaluated with a interview. The definition of the number of participants involved the saturation criteria. The interviews was audio-recorded, totally transcribed and analyzed independently. Rationalization, regression, projection, and denial were the defense mechanisms more frequently identified, possibly due the experience of relapse and its disruptive power. We conclude that the understanding of the defensive functioning of those who live this event can improve the multidisciplinary assistance offered to them.

Keywords : Psycho-Oncology; clinical health psychology; defense mechanisms.

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