At least 20 percent of seriously ill people who are told…
““At least 20 percent of seriously ill people who are told that they are near death actually forget the news within a few days - a form of denial so extreme that it involved not simply rejecting but entirely obliterating unwanted information. (p. 229)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People often erase distressing medical news from memory, a severe denial that erases the information entirely.
In simple terms: Denial can erase shocking health news.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address denial early.
Themes
psychology
health
denial
memory
coping
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
clinical
psychological
When to use this quote
- hospital diagnosis
- patient counseling
- family discussions
- medical communication
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
defense mechanisms
Questions to Reflect On
- How does denial affect health outcomes?
- What strategies can help patients process bad news?
A Different Perspective
Denial may impede necessary treatment decisions.