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Patterns Of Psychological Adaptation In Death And Dying: A Causal Model And Exploratory Study, Marjorie C. Dobratz Dnsc, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships of the person-environment variables of age, sex, length of illness, pain, social support, and physical function as they affected psychological adaptation in dying. An adaptation paradigm of constructs from nursing, illness, and dying provided the theoretical framework which was used to formulate and test a causal model. This study, in addition, had a qualitative component that identified, from the participants' spontaneous responses, reactions to and perceptions of the dying process. A sample of 97 adults was recruited from two metropolitan home hospice programs, with testing occurring in the home. Regression …