Understanding Dignity at the End of Life: The Experience of Palliative Care Patients

Ana Patricia Hilario

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Understanding Dignity at the End of Life: The Experience of Palliative Care Patients

于Exploring Issues of Care, Dying and the End of Life

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Ana Patricia Hilario

Ana Patricia Hilario
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类型:: 章节

Page Range:: 123–134

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9781848880580_015

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The literature concerning death and dying indicates that in contemporary western society those who have a life-threatening or terminal illness are particularly concerned to maintain control over their project of self-identity. Nevertheless, some studies have indicated that loss of control over bodily functions inevitably leads to the disintegration of individual’s self-identity. For example, Lawton (2000) suggested that, in the period of bodily deterioration and decay before an impending death, individuals’ lose some aspects of their self-identity that qualify them as a person. This chapter intends to describe the findings from an ethnographic study conducted during five months in a palliative care unit. Data collection was obtained through participant observation techniques. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with ten palliative care professionals and ten relatives of palliative care patients. The findings underline the importance of looking at the breakdown of bodily integrity, in understanding the meaning and experience of dignity at the end of life. As described in previous studies, the transition from perceived self-sufficiency to dependence negatively affects individuals’ sense of self-worth. Feelings of humiliation and embarrassment are usually the product of individual’s incapacity to manage the body in a socially acceptable manner. The findings are considered in the context of ongoing debates about selfhood and dignity in contemporary western society. Two major categories emerged from the qualitative analyses: individualistic concerns and a holistic repertoire. These two broad categories and their defined themes are highlighted.

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Exploring Issues of Care, Dying and the End of Life

ISBN:: 9781848880580

出版社:: Brill

印刷出版日期:: 29 Apr 2011

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Classical Studies	Literature and Cultural Studies

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Understanding Dignity at the End of Life: The Experience of Palliative Care Patients

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Exploring Issues of Care, Dying and the End of Life

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