Brain Tumor as a Threat to Life and Personality

Abstract

A highly malignant glioma is an extremely serious disease. The prognosis is poor, and the common presence of physical as well as mental deficiencies creates an exposed position not only for the patient but for the family as well. This study focused on the experiences of 24 spouses with their partner's disease during the entire course of the disease process. Repeated interviews displayed three different crisis trajectories: crisis delayed until the disease progressed, immediate crisis, and crisis delayed until the patient returned home. These trajectories were highly dependent on the patients' overall status, and they are discussed in relation to the healthy spouses' different disease experiences and coping possibilities.