Reflections in the Shadow of Death
Values, Relationships, and the Search for the Meaning in the End-of-Life Care
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20959050 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Krzysztof Sobczak (0000-0002-8354-2299, Poznan University of Medical Sciences), Katarzyna Nowicka-Sauer (Gdańsk Medical University), Katarzyna Nowicka‐sauer (0000-0002-7510-5478, Gdańsk Medical University), Maria Wysocka (0000-0002-5046-2591, St Christopher's Hospice), Anna Orlowska (0000-0001-6431-4648, Saint Father Pio’s Hospice in Puck), Adam Falewicz (0000-0002-0412-7602, University of Szczecin), Weronika Kaminska-Skrzynska (0000-0002-5148-2324, Gdańsk Medical University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 302228261467102-302228261467102 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-06 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/00302228261467102 |
| PMID | 42405940 |
| OpenAlex | W7167467914 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 27 |
The study explores the reflections of terminally ill patients on life and death, drawing from theories of regret, existential psychology, and positive psychology. A qualitative study was conducted using the IDI technique with a structured interview questionnaire (named ‘4You’). The study took place in four Polish hospice facilities between 2022 and 2023. Forty-five patients (aged 33–94) participated. The interview included open-ended questions about life advice, pride, gratitude, and self-reflection. Analysis revealed that patients’ reflections focused on relationships (29.9%), personal attitudes (27.95%), and the value of life and health (19.2%). Expressions of gratitude and pride correlated with improved well-being, optimism, and life satisfaction. Many respondents highlighted the importance of maintaining health, staying positive, and cherishing relationships. 4You interview questionnaire facilitated personal reflection and reinforced positive self-perceptions. Findings suggest that structured self-reflection can enhance spiritual and emotional well-being, offering valuable insights for palliative care practices
Existentialism · Exploratory research · Gratitude · Meaning (existential) · Palliative care · Pride · Qualitative research · Shadow (psychology) · Value (mathematics) · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Patient Dignity and Privacy
What We Regret Most… and Why
Spirituality in Serious Illness and Health
Terror Management Theory of Self-Esteem and Cultural Worldviews
Positive Psychology
Taking a Spiritual History Allows Clinicians to Understand Patients More Fully
The Meaning Maintenance Model
Spirituality, health care, and bioethics
The role of self-discrepancies in distinguishing regret from guilt
The ideal road not taken
Editors' Preface
Making sense of loss and benefiting from the experience
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |