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Understanding Perspective Transformation among Recently Diagnosed Cancer Patients in Western India

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New Challenges in Communication with Cancer Patients

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Abstract

Accumulating evidence indicates that some patients perceive positive life changes in the aftermath of serious illness. Construed as perspective transformation or posttraumatic growth, these health outcomes have received increasing attention from investigators. However, little is known about these outcomes in cultural settings outside of Western developed societies or the basic processes that contribute to positive changes. The current study examined communicative dimensions and cultural representations of perspective transformation among cancer patients receiving active treatment in Western India. Specific dimensions of perspective transformation, processes of change, and associated features were explored using narrative data. Individuals high in perspective transformation described changes in life review, life satisfaction, forgiveness, spirituality, and altruism. Among the factors associated with perceived growth was purposeful reflection and efforts to make sense of illness, to find benefits, and to use social support. Results provide an initial picture of perspective transformation among Indian cancer patients and point the way toward further research.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. (Brig) C.H. Gidvani, director (academics) Sadhu Vaswani Mission’s Medical Complex, Pune, India for his generous support in counducting this study. Thanks are also due to surgical oncologist Dr. Manish Bhatia and the radiation center staff at the hospital.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Speech Communication, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, AR, 72204, USA

    Avinash Thombre PhD

  2. Behavioral Medicine Division, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, #765, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA

    Allen C. Sherman PhD

Authors
  1. Avinash Thombre PhD
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  2. Allen C. Sherman PhD
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Correspondence to Avinash Thombre PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Medicine, New York University Medical School, First Avenue 530, New York, 10016, USA

    Antonella Surbone

  2. Institute of Oncology, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia

    Matjaž Zwitter

  3. Institute of Oncology, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana-Center, Slovenia

    Mirjana Rajer

  4. 38th Street 2838, Astoria, 11103, New York, USA

    Richard Stiefel

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Thombre, A., Sherman, A.C. (2013). Understanding Perspective Transformation among Recently Diagnosed Cancer Patients in Western India. In: Surbone, A., Zwitter, M., Rajer, M., Stiefel, R. (eds) New Challenges in Communication with Cancer Patients. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3369-9_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3369-9_9

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-3369-9

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