がん闘病中の家族の中で家族成員に生じる認識

抄録

　　The aim of this study was to ascertain the realizations arising among members of families struggling with cancer. Therefore, this study examined a new perspective on providing support to such families. Three bereaved families who lost family members (a father, a daughter, and a husband) to cancer were interviewed. Their responses were subjected to an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The realizations arising among family members were: 1) family bonds primarily involving the patient, 2) respecting different relationships between the patient and family members, 3) identification of a unique personal role, 4) consideration of other family members, 5) acceptance of a change in family roles, and 6) awareness of the positive attributes of family members. Results indicated the importance of family members identifying a new role to play in their relationship with the patient, the significance of being aware of the positive attributes of other family members, and the potential for a shared view of the patient to lead to acceptance of differences among family members. Two potential ways to provide support to members of families struggling with cancer are 1) helping family members better understand their relationship with the patient and 2) encouraging family members to be aware of the positive attributes of other family members.