Dying or living?: The double bind.

摘要: Describing the behaviors of terminally ill patients, their families and those charged with care has received considerable attention during past decade. This study a comprehensive cancer treatment research facility indicates that prevailing theory is limited to explanation at intra-psychic level. In her work hundreds terminal cases, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross found patients typically progress through five stages: 1) denial, 2) anger, 3) bargaining, 4) depression, 5) acceptance. She concludes majority die in stage acceptance — state equanimity. Recently, scholars have claimed this scheme applicability may fact contribute formalization dying person's behavior. preliminary report proposes theory, if it any descriptive validity, becomes meaningful only when used describe occurring among families, medical practitioners. A plausible these accomplished by examination communication patterns containing structure paradox or double bind. Patients are forced perceive realities about physical conditions not as they appear them, but defined environment. paper explores relation social relationships speck contents messages being transmitted received.