open access

Vol 10, No 3 (2016)
Review paper
Published online: 2017-03-13
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Anticipatory loss: transformation of a bond with a close one in a situation of incurable illness

Bernadetta Elżbieta Janusz
Medycyna Paliatywna w Praktyce 2016;10(3):119-125.

open access

Vol 10, No 3 (2016)
Review paper
Published online: 2017-03-13

Abstract

A paper describes the possibility of clinical work with families and couples in a situation of one spouse’s incurable illness. There are references to bond theory and the anticipatory loss in order to describe phenomena that are characteristic to family interactions in this particular period of family life. Four examples of families were depicted who came to consultation in a situation of incurable illness of one member of the family paying attention to key aspects of therapeutic work in the context of anticipatory grief. Clinical experiences that were described indicate that family openness to talk about relationships and unresolved matters in a situation of advanced illness can give an opportunity for experiencing close emotional bond before the patient’s death. Family consultations in a situation of advanced illness support transforming of the bond into experiencing it in psychological and spiritual categories.

Abstract

A paper describes the possibility of clinical work with families and couples in a situation of one spouse’s incurable illness. There are references to bond theory and the anticipatory loss in order to describe phenomena that are characteristic to family interactions in this particular period of family life. Four examples of families were depicted who came to consultation in a situation of incurable illness of one member of the family paying attention to key aspects of therapeutic work in the context of anticipatory grief. Clinical experiences that were described indicate that family openness to talk about relationships and unresolved matters in a situation of advanced illness can give an opportunity for experiencing close emotional bond before the patient’s death. Family consultations in a situation of advanced illness support transforming of the bond into experiencing it in psychological and spiritual categories.

Get Citation

Keywords

terminal illness; family therapy; anticipatory grief; anticipatory mourning; bond theory.

About this article
Title

Anticipatory loss: transformation of a bond with a close one in a situation of incurable illness

Journal

Palliative Medicine in Practice

Issue

Vol 10, No 3 (2016)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

119-125

Published online

2017-03-13

Page views

510

Article views/downloads

3101

Bibliographic record

Medycyna Paliatywna w Praktyce 2016;10(3):119-125.

Keywords

terminal illness
family therapy
anticipatory grief
anticipatory mourning
bond theory.

Authors

Bernadetta Elżbieta Janusz

References (14)
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