Coping with cancer: Case studies on the effects of learning about Near-Death Experiences.
Journal of Near-Death Studies January 1, 2020 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-2020-38-2-p87-100 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Learning about near-death experiences (NDEs) through psychoeducation helped two cancer survivors cope with their diagnosis and treatment. Both individuals reported that this knowledge enabled them to face ongoing medical care and the possibility of death with greater peace. The case studies suggest that psychoeducation on spiritual topics, particularly NDEs, can be a beneficial coping strategy for cancer patients dealing with psychological distress.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | Cancer survivors |
| Keywords | Psychology Medicine |
| Key finding | Psychoeducation about near-death experiences helped two cancer survivors cope with their diagnosis and treatment by enabling them to face ongoing medical care and the possibility of death with greater peace. |
Abstract
Abstract: People diagnosed with cancer frequently report deleterious psychological experiences because of their diagnosis and subsequent medical treatment. One particularly helpful coping strategy reported by cancer patients is psychoeducational on spiritual topics. Anecdotally, cancer survivors reported that psychoeducation about near-death experiences (NDEs) has been a source of great comfort. In this article, we present two case studies on cancer survivors who reported that learning about NDEs helped them cope with cancer successfully by enabling them to face with greater peace both ongoing medical treatment and a potential for death.