An exploration of spousal caregivers’ well-being after the death of their partners who were older cancer patients – A phenomenological approach

Abstract

The aim of this study was to gain more insight into the psychosocial well-being of the recently bereaved spouses who took care of their partners with cancer. Method: A qualitative study was developed, taking a phenomenological approach. Eleven former caregivers and spouses of patients who died of cancer at, or after, the age of 64, participated in individual in-depth interviews. Only caregivers who were bereaved for a minimum of three months and maximum of one year were interviewed. The analysis of the data was based on the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. Results: The first moments of bereavement included feelings of disbelief, regret and relief. A feeling of being overwhelmed during this time was reported by some, others sought distraction from their grief. Loneliness, emotional fluctuations and a sense of appreciation for the support of loved ones were dominant themes. Also, gratitude and the importance of consolation played a role in the participants' well-being. When participants addressed the matter of moving forward in life, most explained how they wanted to keep the memories of their partner alive while rebuilding their lives. Conclusions: The present study offers insight into the experiences of the bereaved spousal caregiver and highlights the need of social support during the bereavement period. All participants expressed loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping strategies. Also, loneliness is considered a dominant feeling throughout the bereavement period. Social contact can ease these feelings of loneliness through providing either distraction or possibilities to share the burden. This paper emphasized the importance of improving access to healthcare professionals during bereavement.

Lonely in the City–Sociodemographic Status and Somatic Morbidities as Predictors of Loneliness and Depression among Seniors–Preliminary Results

“…The nucleus of each nest is a strong dyadic bond between two people. For many people, a strong stress is associated with having no partner, and even greater stress with his/her loss [ 28 ] Seniors in a dyadic relationship are sooner or later at risk of losing their loved one. The bereavement caused by this fact, in the absence of support and the resources of coping with stress depleted with age, can lead to the development of a depressive episode or dysthymia [ 29 ].…”

Misalignment of social support in the social media posts of young adult cancer caregivers

“…16 In fact, some research highlights the fact that cancer caregivers felt "consoled" by social support from family, friends, and neighbors after the death of the cancer patient. 31 Despite the similarities to prior research conducted in the context of the misalignment of social support, cancer, and caregiving, 20,28,30 it is unknown how and under what circumstances supplications, prevailing, and or consolations could negatively impact YACC's mental health, and therefore this would be a potential area for future research.…”