A nurse is conducting group therapy with clients who have breast cancer. The nurse should recognize which of the following statements by a client as an example of altruism?
A.
“I have experienced physical discomfort when intimate with my partner since my diagnosis.”
B.
“I wish other women would stop socializing with my partner.”
C.
“I told my doctor that I would like to start a support group for other women who are sick in my community.”
D.
“I used to mistrust my doctor, but now I know that she is the best one to care for me during my illness.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. “I told my doctor that I would like to start a support group for other women who are sick in my community.”
Explanation:
Altruism is a defense mechanism and psychological concept that involves selflessly helping others without expecting anything in return. In the context of group therapy for clients with breast cancer, altruism can manifest as a client’s desire to support others who are in similar situations. Let’s examine why option C exemplifies altruism and why the other options do not:
- Option C: When the client expresses a wish to start a support group for other women in the community who are also dealing with illness, this is a clear example of altruism. The client is focusing on the needs and well-being of others rather than their own. By wanting to provide support and create a space for others to find help, the client demonstrates a selfless commitment to improving the lives of others, which is a core characteristic of altruism.
- Option A: This statement reflects the client’s personal experience with physical discomfort related to intimacy. While it is an important and relevant statement within a therapeutic setting, it does not exhibit altruism as it focuses solely on the client’s individual struggles.
- Option B: The client’s wish for other women to stop socializing with their partner reveals a possessive or protective attitude rather than an altruistic one. This statement suggests a desire to control or limit social interactions rather than selflessly aiding others.
- Option D: Trust in the doctor, although a positive development in the client’s relationship with healthcare providers, does not represent altruism. It is more about the client’s improved perception of their care rather than an act of selfless service to others.
In summary, altruism involves actions that benefit others without personal gain. The client’s initiative to start a support group demonstrates altruism by aiming to provide support and assistance to others who are facing similar challenges.