Life orientation and coping styles in families of terminally ill cancer patients

The death of a close person is a trau-matic situation. It is related to severe stress experienced by the patient and his or her family. Sense of coherence (SOC) is a factor influencing the ability to cope with stress. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of SOC and different styles of coping with stress in families of terminally ill cancer patients. The study included 81 relatives of patients of the ‘Światło’ Hospice in Toruń. The SOC level was assessed using Antonovsky’s SOC-29 question-naire and social support was measured using the Kmiecik-Baran scale. The study shows that there is a relationship between the SOC level and choice of coping style. The coping style and SOC level are influenced by faith, education level, material status and levels of stress and health. Persons with higher SOC choose a task-oriented coping style. Examining these variables helps estimate the scope of care and adjust it to caregivers’ needs, which might influence the quality of care provided by close relatives. Słowa kluczowe: stacjonarna opieka terminalna, choroba nowotworowa, style radzenia poczucie koherencji (SOC).