Grief and coping in patients with multiple sclerosis: Dialogue with Kübler-Ross theory

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v21i2.34531

Keywords:

grief, coping, multiple sclerosis, Thematic Apperception Test

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease that causes motor, sensory and psychological losses. Objective: To understand the process of grief and coping in people with multiple sclerosis, at different stages of diagnosis, based on Kübler-Ross' theoretical propositions of grief. Method: Semi-structured interview and application of pictures 1 and 11 of the Thematic Apperception Test to three women, one in a diagnostic investigation for MS, one diagnosed with MS a year ago and the third have been diagnosed with MS for five years. We used thematic content analysis for data organization and the Kübler-Ross grief theory to analyze them. Results: Differences in the way each participant felt MS could be observed. The participants at different stages of diagnosis/investigation experienced a different phase of the grief process and used different types of coping strategies. Conclusions: Illness leads to mourning, which can be a coping strategy to re-signify life in the new condition.

Author Biographies

Maria Cristina Itagiba-Fonseca, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)

Psicóloga graduada pela Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro.

Sabrina Martins Barroso, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM)

Professora assistente do departamento de Psicologia da UFTM.

Published

2017-08-29

How to Cite

Itagiba-Fonseca, M. C., & Barroso, S. M. (2017). Grief and coping in patients with multiple sclerosis: Dialogue with Kübler-Ross theory. Interação Em Psicologia, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v21i2.34531

Issue

Section

Research Reports