COPING STRATEGIES AND EMOTIONAL REPERCUSSIONS ON FAMILY MEMBERS OF PALLIATIVE CARE PATIENTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: accompanying a family member in palliative care represents a significant emotional challenge, marked by anxiety, sadness, and powerlessness, intensified by the imminence of loss. Objective: this study sought to understand the emotional repercussions, contextual factors, and coping strategies adopted by family members of patients in palliative care. Methodology: a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 11 family members of patients admitted to a public hospital in Goiânia, analyzed through content analysis. Results: three main categories were identified: emotional repercussions (sadness, anxiety, fear of loss, anticipatory grief, and helplessness); contextual factors (health service support and socioeconomic conditions); and coping strategies (hope and acceptance, self-control, spirituality, social support, focus on the present, and problem- solving focus). Conclusion: suffering is intensified by the imminence of loss and changes in the relationship with the patient. Emotional support, hospital environment, and clarity in communication are essential to reduce emotional burden. Psychological and emotional support is fundamental to promote the well-being and resilience of family members, underscoring the importance of a humanized approach in palliative care.