Psychosocial variables associated with the exceptional survival of patients with advanced malignant disease

Abstract

This study identified psychosocial variables associated with the exceptional survival of nine cancer patients diagnosed as terminal. During open-ended interviews, subjects described their behaviors and emotions following the onset of disease and articulated personal explanations for their survival. Despite the methodological limitations inherent in this type of research, the similarity of the subjects' responses was compelling.All subjects believed that there was a direct relationship between the outcomes experienced and their psychological states. They remained confident that they would not die, and asserted that these positive expectations were critical to the healing process. The report by subjects that they experienced major psychosocial changes in the months following their prognoses presents a serious challenge to the conclusions of a related study.The subjects assumed responsibility for all aspects of their lives, including recovery. Thus, medical personnel were often used as consultants. All patients established a physician relationship characterized as trusting, meaningful, and healing. They indicated an intense desire to stay alive. Unlike their attitudes before illness, once the patients were confronted with the prospect of death, life suddenly became very precious.