THE PROCESS OF EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE OF ANTICIPATORY GRIEF IN CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILY: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The process of working through anticipatory grief involves a set of feelings and emotional reactions when someone faces imminent death. Considering the relevance of understanding grief, this research aims to understand how cancer patients emotionally experience anticipatory grief. For this, it is qualitative narrative research. 21 articles were selected that met the criteria that can be observed in the methodology addressed. The data was processed through content analysis, according to Bardin (1977). The construction of anticipatory grief is unique and emotionally adapted in the oncological context, involving symbolic losses that develop from the individual's individual experiences. The results indicate that cancer patients and their families deal with intense psychological responses due to the emotional impact of the disease. The grieving process involves psychic reactions, especially when faced with the possibility of imminent loss. The illness triggers a variety of emotional and mental responses, including the need to reinvent oneself after the loss of physical and mental abilities, dreams and personal goals.