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Research: RANCOUR and BRAUER,
Listed in Issue 99
Abstract
RANCOUR and BRAUER, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA, rancour.l@osu.edu, have written a case study on the use of letter writing as a means of integrating an altered body image.
Background
Drastic cancer treatment requires for patients to adjust to an altered body image. This paper describes the use of letter writing to assist this process.
Methodology
Published articles and books were used as a source for material.
Results
Gestalt therapy, psychosynthesis, and journaling techniques evolve into a technique that can assist patients through the grief process associated with altered body parts.
Conclusion
Letter writing was found to assist particularly women who have to adjust to reconstruction of lost breasts. It is suggested that nurses can use letter writing as a way of helping patients process their losses.
References
Rancour P, Brauer K. Use of letter writing as a means of integrating an altered body image: a case study. Oncology Nursing Forum 30 (5): 841-846, Sep 2003.
Comment
How typical that the authors seem to think the adjustment of body image is the problem rather than the adjustment of the body after radical mastectomy – as though breasts were only decoration rather than an integral part of a human being.
