Open AccessPsychosocial Distress: A Case Study of a Male African American Veteran with End-Stage Colon Cancer
Author(s) -
Frances R. Nedjat-Haiem,
Iraida V. Carrion,
Terri Wingate Lewison
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 35
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2228
Subject(s) - psychosocial , distress , qualitative research , psychology , social support , medicine , clinical psychology , gerontology , psychiatry , psychotherapist , sociology , social science
This in-depth single-case-study explored the emergent trauma of psychosocial distress of an older male African-American veteran after being diagnosed with end-stage colon cancer. Using a qualitative case study methodology, three in-depth interviews were conducted which identified the following five themes: (1) the emotional impact of being diagnosed with cancer, (2) experiencing inescapable loss of control and independence, (3) adjusting to nursing home placement, (4) lacking social support, and (5) navigating complicated services. The findings expand our understanding of the need for identifying and managing psychosocial distress. Implications for behavioral health practitioners are discussed.