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Recalled life expectancy information, phase of illness and hope in cancer patients
Author(s) -
Stoner Martha Holt,
Keampfer Suzanne Hearne
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
research in nursing and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1098-240X
pISSN - 0160-6891
DOI - 10.1002/nur.4770080309
Subject(s) - life expectancy , recall , expectancy theory , cancer , medicine , clinical psychology , scale (ratio) , gerontology , psychology , social psychology , environmental health , population , physics , quantum mechanics , cognitive psychology
In this study two research questions were addressed: What is the relationship between recalled life expectancy information and hope in cancer patients? What effect does phase of illness have on the level of hope in cancer patients? A scale to measure hope was developed, used, and evaluated. In 55 cancer patients, an analysis of variance showed a significant main effect on hope for recalled life expectancy; difference in level of hope was found in cancer patients at different phases of illness. The findings indicated that individuals having no recollection of receiving information regarding their prognosis were more hopeful. The results have implications for determining what, how much, when, and how to communicate life expectancy information to patients who have cancer or other life‐threatening illnesses.