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In this paper, we explore how existential aspects of being diagnosed and living with cancer are shared in stories that are publicly communicated online. Through a narrative analysis of online texts and blogs, we explore how people deal with their cancer experiences, how cultural norms about illness are expressed in their stories and why they write and publish their stories online. We found that the writers described cancer diagnosis as a defining moment in their lives. They portrayed it as a crisis that was followed by unpredictability, doubt, grief and loss, fitting with the term 'existential uncertainty'. Writing and sharing their stories online, connecting with others and staying positive were ways of dealing with this uncertainty. These naturally occurring data offer insights into phenomena that are not easily accessed in a clinical setting; moreover, they provide unique insights into the cultural norms in which online illness narratives are embedded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a ritual perspective, the paper identifies a new form of ritual concerning the corpse, which could facilitate separation and allow the living to look at the deceased without disgust. In order to explore the effect of thanato-aesthetic interventions, the experience of the last glance of the bereaved at their deceased loved ones was analyzed. Twenty interviews were performed in three morgues, and thematic analysis was utilized. The aim was to illustrate how post-mortem grief may be affected by aesthetic manipulation of the corpse and ways in which the bereaved relocate their beloveds. The fundamental hypothesis is that the facilitation of concrete contact with the corpse may assist mourners to detach from the deceased. From the qualitative analysis, three areas of meaning prevalence emerged: Kübler-Ross phases of grief work and the conspiracy of silence; immortality and continuing bonds; and the effects of thanato-aesthetic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes to the lives of children and young people. Our aim is to explore the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of children and young people (ages 5–21). Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was used to report the findings of this rapid review. Results: Children and young people are potentially very vulnerable to the emotional impact of traumatic events that disrupt their daily lives. Key areas of concern include: Death Anxiety and Fear of Infection; lack of social interaction and loss of routine. Conclusions: Despite some early and responsive studies, the evidence base for pandemic impact on children and young people is very limited. Such evidence is urgently needed if adequate and responsive services, that can mitigate the long-term impact of the pandemic for children and young people can be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an autoethnographic case study approach is used to explore the first author's experience with both oncology and palliative care services. Connections are made to the literature, with a specific focus on the eight patient-centered principles and the benefits of adherence to these principles in a health context. When health professionals do not address treatment from this perspective, consequences for the patient can be negative. The aim of this article is to use the first author's lived experience to explore the pertinence of maintaining the patient's centrality in care planning. It is also argued that patient-centered care is the rhetoric within contemporary funding models rather than the reality of practice. Henceforth, recommendations for health-care professionals are also provided. Each of the eight principles is discussed in accordance with the first author's perspective, as she lives each day with advanced cancer which will ultimately claim her life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older people may experience considerable loss when they endure emotional or social loneliness. Emotional loneliness is related to the loss or absence of a confidant while social loneliness describes the discrepancy between the nature of one's desired and actual social network. In this article, both concepts are examined in relation to new attendees at time-limited day center reablement programs in Northern Ireland. Using group work activities, reablement programs aim to motivate participants to continue to live independently, often in the face of later life losses. Out of a total of 91 initial respondents (range, 61–94), 13 lived with adult children (10 of whom were lone parents). Those living with, or who had daily contact with, adult children had significantly higher levels of emotional loneliness at the start of their program, but not at the end. For this sample, reductions in emotional loneliness in certain cohorts of older adults who attend these programs have been identified. In conclusion, it is proposed that fourth age losses mediate older people's living arrangement and may create greater vulnerability to emotional loneliness in those living with adult children. In addition, social groups may be effective in helping reduce emotional loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While it is known that couples experience pregnancy differently from one another, the circumstance of continuing pregnancy after learning of a lethal fetal diagnosis has received little attention. This longitudinal, naturalistic study of 16 mothers and 14 spouses/partners aimed to describe pregnant couples’ responses and relationships in continued pregnancy with lethal fetal diagnosis and to examine similarities and differences within those couple responses. Individual and joint interviews with parents were conducted across pregnancy, birth, and death of the baby. Within and across couple analysis was performed. Three categories emerged (Pregnant vs. Not Pregnant; Individual Responses to Adversity; Strength of the Couple Relationship) with 12 themes. Findings indicate that individual responses to these stressful pregnancies were inherent in who was physically pregnant, choosing whether to love and embrace the unborn baby, personal characteristics, and the strength of the couple relationship. Care providers should assess couple dynamics. Couples with committed relationships, shared decision-making, and mutual support fared the best in the aftermath of their baby’s death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]