2012 Volume 35 Issue 1 Pages 1_159-1_166
This study aims to review the research conducted on cancer patients' psychological adaptation to recommend topics for future studies. Since being reported by the research in 1983, the state of psychological adaptation to the cancer has not substantially changed to date. The concept of stress management changed the vulnerable image of cancer patients from the 1970's, when the study of cancer patients began emphasizing the patients' strength. The concept of "Meaning" was adopted in the 1990's and thereafter. After searching for meaning, cancer patients reconstruct their self-concepts, give them meaning and then adapt to the new self management of their disease. The process of searching for meaning has been identified in Japan, with results corresponding to those of previous research in Europe and America. The research on cancer patients searching for meaning in Europe and America has evolved to studies on related factors and interventions. In the future, Japan should proceed with similar research.
