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PSYCHOLOGICAL BASIS OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF
ONCOLOGICAL PATIENTS
Niyazova Nilufar Farkhadovna
Senior lecturer (PhD), Department of Psychology
and Sports, Mamun University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15393316
Abstract.
This article scientifically examines the improvement of the
psychological state and quality of life in patients with oncological diseases. In
addition, the article analyzes the psychological foundations of raising the morale
of patients with oncological diseases, increasing their confidence in life and
living.
Keywords.
Oncological disease, cancer, psychological state, quality of life,
psychotherapy.
Introduction.
In recent years, as a result of the rapid development of medicine, the
possibilities of early detection and treatment of oncological diseases are
expanding. Nevertheless, cancer remains one of the most pressing health
problems worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
millions of people are infected with this disease every year, and most of them
end up in a serious psycho-psychological state. Cancer negatively affects not
only physical health, but also the mental state, emotions, social relationships,
and even their hope and motivation for life. Therefore, psychological approaches
play an important role in improving the quality of life of oncological patients. A
cancer diagnosis is usually a psychological shock for the patient. It evokes
negative emotions - fear, hopelessness, depression, anger, denial, and even
thoughts of suicide. In this case, it is necessary not only to treat the patient
physically, but also to ensure his psychological stability and create spiritual
support. Therefore, psychological support and psychotherapy are considered an
integral part of oncological care.
The concept of quality of life is broad and multifaceted, and it includes not
only the patient's physical condition, but also his mental state, social activity,
interpersonal relationships, independence, economic status and level of
satisfaction with life. For oncological patients, quality of life is not just survival,
but the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life during this period.
The main goal of psychological support is to activate the patient's internal
resources, develop stress-fighting skills, increase adaptability to the disease and
maintain a positive attitude towards life. Psychological support can be provided
in the form of individual conversations, group therapies, family counseling,
MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
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conscious mind-management techniques (for example, mindfulness),
motivational training and other forms.
Also, the cooperation of medical psychologists, psychiatrists,
psychotherapists, social workers and even volunteers plays an important role in
improving the psychological condition of oncological patients. By providing
psychological support to the patient, their participation in the treatment
process, their confidence in the treatment, and their chances of recovery are
significantly increased.
Based on the above, this topic - the importance of psychological approaches
in improving the quality of life of oncological patients - is not only relevant, but
also extremely important from a social and human perspective. By studying this
topic in depth, it is possible to contribute to improving the mental state of
patients, increasing their quality of life, and creating a more comfortable,
supportive environment for them.
Literature analysis and methodology. The famous Canadian psychiatrist and
psycho-oncologist Harvey Chochinov conducted a number of scientific studies to
improve the quality of life and psychological state of cancer patients. The
psychotherapy method developed by him, known as "Dignity Therapy", is based
on the written expression of important events and values in the patient's life.
This approach helps to maintain the patient's sense of self-esteem and improve
his mental state. In addition, Chochinov has also created a special diagnostic tool
called the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), which is used to assess patients'
concerns about their dignity.
Australian scientist Phyllis Batou, a professor at the University of Sydney,
specializes in the study of the psychological state of cancer patients and their
psychological support. She is one of the founders of the Psycho-Oncology Co-
operative Research Group (PoCoG), an organization that works to identify and
meet the psychological needs of cancer patients. Batou's research focuses on
improving patient-doctor communication, increasing participation in clinical
decision-making, and ensuring psychological stability.
Linda Carlson is a clinical psychologist in Canada who has developed
effective approaches to reducing stress levels and improving overall quality of
life for cancer patients. The psychological programs she has developed, based on
mindfulness, help stabilize the patient's mental state. Carlson's research shows
that the mindfulness approach has a significant effect on reducing negative
emotions and strengthening positive mood in cancer patients.
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British psycho-oncologist Leslie Fallowfield has conducted important
research on the assessment of the quality of life of cancer patients and the
improvement of doctor-patient communication. He has developed special
methods for measuring the quality of life and has introduced training programs
for medical staff aimed at effective communication with patients. His research
substantiates the need to take into account the psychological needs of the
patient when providing oncological care.
Professors working at Ohio State University in the USA have studied how
psychological support for cancer patients affects their treatment process. In a
study conducted in 1999, they supported 115 women with breast cancer with
psychological counseling and found that as a result their psychological state and
response to treatment significantly improved. This research shows that
psychological support also has a positive effect on clinical outcomes.
Discussion. Oncological diseases have a profound impact not only on
physical health, but also on a person's mental, social and emotional state. In
particular, receiving a cancer diagnosis, the difficult treatment process, and the
unexpected consequences of the disease can cause severe stress, anxiety,
depression, and even suicidal thoughts in the human psyche. Therefore, it is
becoming increasingly clear that in modern medicine, treatment with only
pharmacological or surgical methods is not enough. Psychological support is
becoming an integral and important part of oncological care.
Psychological foundations are understood as factors such as activating the
patient's internal psychological resources, maintaining mental stability,
combating stress, restoring hope for life, and increasing self-esteem. Each
patient reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis: some are in denial, others are
angry, and still others are in despair. From this perspective, an individual
approach to each patient is necessary.
Psychotherapeutic approaches include Dignity Therapy, Mindfulness-based
Stress Reduction (MBSR), cognitive-behavioral therapy, expressive writing, art
therapy, and group counseling. Dignity Therapy, developed by Harvey
Chochinov, in particular, helps patients find meaning in their lives, maintain self-
esteem, and appreciate their experiences.
Mindfulness-based methods, as proposed by Linda Carlson, also help
patients focus on the present moment and get rid of negative thoughts. Studies
show that this type of psychological support significantly reduces the level of
depression, anxiety, and insomnia in cancer patients.
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Social and family support also plays an important role in the psychological
state of the patient. Positive attitudes from family members, friends, and society
increase the patient's motivation for treatment. On the contrary, loneliness,
neglect, and social isolation reduce the quality of life.
In addition, the quality of communication between the patient and the
doctor is also important. Studies have shown that active participation of patients
in the treatment process and participation in decision-making improves their
psychological state and increases the quality of life.
However, in practice, the provision of psychological support faces many
problems. In particular, the resources allocated to psychologists in the
healthcare system are insufficient, and in many cases, doctors consider
psychological care to be secondary or patients cannot use these services.
Therefore, it is necessary to systematically introduce and develop psychological
care in the healthcare system in the future.
Conclusion. Oncological diseases are a serious condition that deeply affects
not only the physical state of a person’s health, but also his or her mental and
social life. A cancer diagnosis is accompanied by negative emotions such as
stress, depression, hopelessness, and loneliness for many patients. Therefore,
psychological support, in addition to medical treatment, is a necessary and
integral part of the process of fighting cancer.
Studies show that psychological approaches — in particular, Dignity
therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and
socio-psychological counseling — play an important role in stabilizing the
patient’s mental state, restoring self-esteem, and maintaining a positive attitude
towards life. Patients who receive psychological support are more involved in
the treatment process, establish effective communication with doctors, and have
a positive attitude towards treatment.
Also, family and social support, open communication between the patient
and the doctor, as well as psychological support based on an individual
approach are important factors in improving the overall quality of life of the
patient.
On this basis, it can be concluded that organizing psychological support on a
systematic and scientific basis when working with oncological patients,
supporting them mentally and developing resilience significantly improves their
quality of life. Such an approach is one of the important indicators of a healthy
society and the provision of quality medical care.
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International scientific-online conference
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