Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Chochinov, H. M. Articles by Harlos, M. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Chochinov, H. M. Articles by Harlos, M. Hospitals, Hospital Treatment Depression

Understanding the Will to Live in Patients Nearing Death

From the Department of Psychiatry, Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg; Patient and Family Support Services, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg; Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg; the Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg; Edith Cowan University, Perth, N.S.W., Australia; and St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Canada. Address reprint requests to Dr. Chochinov, Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 3021-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9; harvey.chochinov{at}cancercare.mb.ca (e-mail).

This study examined concurrent influences on the will to live in 189 patients with end-stage cancer. The authors found significant correlations between the will to live and existential, psychological, social, and, to a lesser degree, physical sources of distress. Existential variables proved to have the most influence, with hopelessness, burden to others, and dignity entering into the final model. Health care providers must learn to appreciate the importance of existential issues and their ability to influence the will to live among patients nearing death.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Karlsson, P. Strang, and A. Milberg Attitudes toward euthanasia among Swedish medical students Palliative Medicine, October 1, 2007; 21(7): 615 - 622. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. J McPherson, K. G Wilson, and M. A. Murray Feeling like a burden to others: a systematic review focusing on the end of life Palliative Medicine, March 1, 2007; 21(2): 115 - 128. [Abstract] [PDF]

				P. L Hudson, L. J Kristjanson, M. Ashby, B. Kelly, P. Schofield, R. Hudson, S. Aranda, M. O'Connor, and A. Street Desire for hastened death in patients with advanced disease and the evidence base of clinical guidelines: a systematic review Palliative Medicine, October 1, 2006; 20(7): 693 - 701. [Abstract] [PDF]

				H. M. Chochinov Dying, Dignity, and New Horizons in Palliative End-of-Life Care. CA Cancer J Clin, March 1, 2006; 56(2): 84 - 103. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. Bentur and S. Resnizky Validation of the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire in home hospice settings in Israel Palliative Medicine, October 1, 2005; 19(7): 538 - 544. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Arehart-Treichel Psychological Factors Outweigh Physical in Patients' Will to Live Psychiatr News, April 1, 2005; 40(7): 36 - 37. [Full Text]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2005 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us