Article (Scientific journals)
Defence Mechanisms and Coping Strategies among Caregivers in Palliative Care Units
Timmermann, Marie; Naziri, Despina; Etienne, Anne-Marie
2009In Journal of Palliative Care, 25 (3), p. 181-190
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Abstract :
[en] This article focuses on the relationship between defence mechanisms, coping strategies, palliative attitude, and the well-being of caregivers in palliative care units, who are confronted with death, suffering, and pain. They use many different defence mechanisms; however, studies linking their coping strategies and defence mechanisms are rare. This study uses a quantitative and qualitative design and is based on 18 caregivers (nurses) in 2 palliative care units in Belgium. Defence mechanisms are tested through a semi-structured interview, TAT, and DSQ-60. Coping strategies are evaluated through a semistructured interview, COPE, and WCQ. To maximize our global approach, coping strategies and defence mechanisms are associated with measures of wellbeing and palliative attitude. We determined that defence mechanisms and coping strategies should not be seen as obstacles to professional practices. Palliative caregivers are more likely to adopt “mature” and “mental inhibition and compromise formation” defence mechanisms, as well as “emotion-focused” and “problem-focused” coping strategies. Defence mechanisms are more unconscious and constitute appropriate answers in extreme emotional situations. Coping strategies allow for more conscious processes of adaptation to the environment of palliative care units. This study shows positive relationships between different defence mechanisms and coping strategies, palliative attitudes, and caregivers’ well-being. Institutions should improve the conditions for group exchange and for caregivers’ individual introspection so that caregivers develop adapted capacities to cope with anxiety.
Disciplines :
Treatment & clinical psychology
Theoretical & cognitive psychology
Author, co-author :
Timmermann, Marie ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de personne et société > Psychologie clinique de l'adulte
Naziri, Despina ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de personne et société > Psychologie clinique de l'adulte
Etienne, Anne-Marie  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de personne et société > Psychologie de la santé - Département de personne et société
Language :
English
Title :
Defence Mechanisms and Coping Strategies among Caregivers in Palliative Care Units
Publication date :
2009
Journal title :
Journal of Palliative Care
ISSN :
0825-8597
Publisher :
Clinical Research Institute of Montreal Center for Bioethics, Montréal, Canada
Volume :
25
Issue :
3
Pages :
181-190
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Available on ORBi :
since 19 November 2009

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