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Coping with loneliness among the terminally ill

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Abstract

Loneliness is a universal phenomenon, and its pain is intensified by a diagnosis of a terminal illness. The present study is an investigation of the strategies used by patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS), by individuals diagnosed with cancer, and by the general population to cope with loneliness. Three hundred and twenty nine MS patients, 315 cancer patients, and 391 participants from the general population answered a 34-item questionnaire. Results indicated that with the exception of Reflection and acceptance, Distancing and denial, and Increased activity, the three groups cope with loneliness significantly differently.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Institute for the Study and Treatment of Psychosocial Stress, 104 Combe Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada, M3H 4J9

    Ami Rokach

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  1. Ami Rokach
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Correspondence to Ami Rokach.

Appendix A: Coping with loneliness – sample items

Appendix A: Coping with loneliness – sample items

Factor 1: Reflection and Acceptance

I came to accept how I felt (0.59)a

I turned loneliness into a time for reflection (0.61)

I came to view being alone as an opportunity to think things through and set new goals for myself (0.64)

I tried to focus on what really mattered to me in life (0.59)

Factor 2: Self-development and Understanding

I sought professional help from a medical doctor (0.57)

I actively sought to make friends at social groups I attended (0.40)

I enrolled in personal development seminars (0.51)

I went back to work after years of being at home (0.41)

Factor 3: Social Support Network

I renewed old friendships (0.47)

I spent time at places where I knew there would be a lot of people (0.45)

I went to more parties and social functions (0.63)

I corresponded with friends/family more frequently (0.42)

Factor 4: Distancing and Denial

I denied to myself that anything was wrong (0.48)

I purposely built walls around myself (0.55)

I avoided social functions (0.40)

I drank alcohol in excess (0.58)

Factor 5: Religion and Faith

I sought answers to my problems in prayer (0.75)

My attendance at religious services increased (0.68)

I felt strengthened and comforted by my faith in God (0.76)

I actively sought to make friends at my church (0.56)

Factor 6: Increased Activity

I took up a new hobby (0.51)

I got a part-time job (0.42)

I took up a new sport (0.46)

I immersed myself in work (0.53)

aThe factor loading of the item.

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Rokach, A. Coping with loneliness among the terminally ill. Soc Indic Res 82, 487–503 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-006-9047-5

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