Who finds it "easier" to overcome the disease

When we talk about personality types, we believe that extroverts are open and introverts are closed in. And then there is the conclusion: if a person is positive, it is easier for him or her to endure all misfortunes, including illness, unlike the constantly sad "Pierrot". But as life shows, there are as many life-lovers among introverts as there are skeptics and misanthropes among extroverts. Therefore, the conclusion that clearly suggests itself after reading the headline: "Of course, extroverts have it easier!" is not entirely correct. Then who has it easier? Let's find out.

It is easier to fight the disease for someone who is able to "build a new house on the ruins."

In other words, who, having lost a loved one, health, or a part of their body after an amputation or accident, will be able to rebuild their lives. Who is ready to overcome this and move on. The good news is that each of us, whether extroverted or introverted, is capable of doing so. The strategy of coping will be different, and it depends on our natural temperament.

In psychology, there is such a thing as coping strategies - actions that a person takes to cope with stress. This concept was introduced by the American psychologist Richard Lazarus, who offered his own diagnosis of dealing with difficult situations. If everything is under control, we react differently to something, and under severe stress, we will act in a way that is typical for us.

Although we are all different, our natural reactions to stress are the same. There are eight typical ones. One way or another, they can both harm and help. And it is important to take this into account so that helping different personality types in cancer treatment is most effective.

8 scenarios of stress protection based on the patient's psychotype:

Confrontation - confrontation with the current situation

Most often, extroverts are prone to it.

This is the same aggression that, on the one hand, keeps you going, makes you act and defeat a specific enemy. But on the other hand, it can make the situation worse. Aggression is difficult to control - it does not allow you to think soberly. And any cancer requires a careful action plan and internal resources, as the "war" can be long.

Self-control and the desire to suppress emotions 

It is most often characteristic of introverts.

It's great to be able to control yourself, but when it's vital to show emotion, it can be harmful. When it's hard and scary, it's important to talk it out. And in this case, it doesn't matter to whom - a psychologist, family or friend. The main thing is not to keep it inside.

Finding social support and like-minded people

Extroverts are more prone to this strategy.

In business, this behavior, if used consistently, can create a reputation as an indecisive person, but in a situation of grief, it is the most correct one.

Escape from the problem

It is characteristic of both personality types.

Probably the most useless and dangerous of all. But this scenario also has a small advantage - albeit briefly, it reduces emotions under stress. In the end, the problem does not disappear - it only gets worse, and precious time is lost.

Planning a solution to the problem

Such actions are more typical for introverts.

This strategy is the most correct one in a situation of overcoming a serious illness. When the decision is based not just on enthusiasm, but on a clear understanding of the situation, all its components and consequences.

Positive assessment or desire to see everything as good

Closer to the behavior of extroverts.

Seeing the good in everything is a great trait when little depends on a person. But when you need to act immediately and adequately, this scenario looks frivolous and can be harmful.

Acceptance of responsibility

Both extroverts and introverts can show it

Despite the fact that this strategy is attributed to strong-willed and courageous people when they are diagnosed with a serious illness, this behavior can complicate things. Taking on all the responsibility and not burdening anyone with your worries is a heavy burden even for a superhero. Oncology treatment is a team effort, where it is important to share both pain and responsibility.

Remote control (solving a problem from a distance)

Characteristic of both personality types

It's a reasonable way out when your enemy exists separately from you and is so dangerous that it's better not to deal with him. But it definitely doesn't make sense when you've been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Awareness of these states is the cherished button that allows us to cope with ourselves

Despite the attribution of these scenarios to a specific psychotype, this division is conditional. In fact, each of us can use all the options to protect ourselves from stress. It's just that now, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, we can do it consciously. After all, awareness is the reserved button that allows us to cope with ourselves.

When we are confident in how our psyche works, taking into account our temperament, it is easier to control ourselves. An extrovert will not run without looking back, but will begin to restrain himself and realize that his actions are destructive. And an introvert will finally speak up because he will see the benefits of doing so.

It's good for extroverts - they speak as they breathe. But others can't tell how hard it is.

You need to share your emotions and feelings. It's normal and it's useful. But to say it is one thing, but to do it... It's good for extroverts - they speak as they breathe. But others can't tell how hard it is. And this gives the impression that it is easier for an extrovert to overcome the disease, while it is incredibly difficult for an introvert to cope with the disease. But the most important thing is not this, but the ability to organize your life in the conditions you have.

Yes, extroverts are open and can easily share their experiences, but at the same time, they are more prone to panic. If you compare them to runners, they are like sprinters. Therefore, in no case should we talk about the duration of treatment - their enthusiasm may not be enough. They need to be motivated from time to time, to set new goals.

Introverts are more patient and ready to run the "long haul"

Unlike extroverts, introverts are not in a hurry and are able to survive psychological stress without losing their spirits. True, it is much more difficult to set them up for treatment, to call them in for a conversation, to gain their trust, but if you do, the efforts are rewarded - they make the most conscious patients.

Understanding the type and temperament of their son or daughter, parents will no longer be so upset about their "problem" child, but will begin to look for an approach to him or her. And to do this, they will be the first to talk to him. Not with just another phrase, but with stories about themselves. Frankly, sincerely, showing an example of how to do it. Topics. About everything that worries them: dreams, favorite games, friends, first trip to the sea, favorite childhood fairy tale.... Yes, it's true! Children are our mirrors, they reflect our reflection. And next time, instead of the usual "yes, no, it's fine," you will hear something more sensual from them.

Sharing your feelings with a child is especially valuable. And not only pleasant ones. This way, the child will understand that it is possible to be sad out loud and that your tears, sadness and even anger can be explained to another person without being judged in return.

In this difficult period, it is also important that children continue to dream and make plans for the future. Not in the long term, but in the short term: what we will cook for lunch, what book we will choose to read in the evening, what game we will learn tomorrow, what kind of surprise we will arrange for friends who come over this weekend. In this way, the child will feel that he is alive, because he can plan and control his life. And this gives them strength. He becomes interested in living not only inside but also outside.

Contact with the child should be on a regular basis. Everything can be trained, including the ability to hold a conversation.

Having established contact with a son or daughter, the next task for parents is to maintain their trust. Otherwise, it will be much more difficult to regain it.

For example, it is strictly forbidden to compare one child with another. It is even more taboo to share with outsiders what your child has entrusted to you. One day, when he or she sees you quoting him or her with a smile, he or she will close off from you for a long time. And no excuses that it was "with love" will help. For her, this is a demonstration that everything she said was frivolous and ridiculous. In short, it's a betrayal.

Cholerics are the first candidates for burnout

Unlike phlegmatic introverts, choleric extroverts speak quickly, think quickly, move quickly, and make decisions in the same way. They catch fire easily, and if they have already started running, they run to the end, giving everything in the process. They are the first candidates for burnout. It is difficult for them to stop and accept everything as it is.

Parents need to "stop" such a child in the same way as they would a phlegmatic child, that is, by talking to him or her, sharing their experience. After all, active children are often born to choleric parents, which means they have a lot to tell about their "stuffed balls." Talking to your child about your mistakes is an effective tool both for establishing contact and for setting a living example: "how easy it is to lose friends if you do things first and only think later."

To be sure which type of temperament is most pronounced in a child, you can take the Eysenck test with him or her

Such a test will not have a global impact on the treatment process, but it can explain the child's behavior and predict his or her reaction to any event. Thanks to the test, questions/claims such as "why are you silent/talking a lot" will disappear by themselves. And it will be easier for parents to accept their child with all his or her "problems". After all, the most important help that parents can provide to their sick children is full acceptance of everything that happens to them during this period. Regardless of whether they are extroverts or introverts, they can be capricious, cry and get angry. At such moments, it is especially important to hear from family members: "We understand you and love you very much."

Currently, the patient's questionnaire does not include a "temperament type" box. This means that psychotype is not formally taken into account when working with cancer patients. However, the benefit is obvious: by predicting the patient's reaction to treatment, it will be easier for the doctor to establish a strong relationship with him or her, which will make it much easier to overcome the disease.

Psychological support hotline fromPledges» the number 0 800 4000 23 is available:

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