Psychosocial Distress: A Case Study of a Male African American Veteran with End-Stage Colon Cancer

Authors

Frances R. Nedjat-Haiem, New Mexico State University
Iraida V. Carrion, University of South Florida
Terri Wingate Lewison, Georgia State University

Abstract

This in-depth single-case-study explored the emergent trauma of psychosocial distress of an older male African-American veteran after being diagnosed with end-stage colon cancer. Using a qualitative case study methodology, three in-depth interviews were conducted which identified the following five themes: (1) the emotional impact of being diagnosed with cancer, (2) experiencing inescapable loss of control and independence, (3) adjusting to nursing home placement, (4) lacking social support, and (5) navigating complicated services. The findings expand our understanding of the need for identifying and managing psychosocial distress. Implications for behavioral health practitioners are discussed.

Keywords

Psychosocial Distress, Older Adult, African-American, Advanced Cancer, Qualitative, Case Study

Author Bio(s)

Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: Frances R. Nedjat-Haiem at, New Mexico State University, School of Social Work, 1335 International Mall, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001.

Publication Date

7-27-2015

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2228

Recommended APA Citation

Nedjat-Haiem, F. R., Carrion, I. V., & Lewison, T. W. (2015). Psychosocial Distress: A Case Study of a Male African American Veteran with End-Stage Colon Cancer. The Qualitative Report, 20(7), 1095-1110. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2228