DEBILITATING ILLNESSES AND THE SEXUALITY OF THE COUPLE

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the repercussion of cancer on marriage relationship and in the couple's sexual life in patients under palliative care. We present a study of case whose sample was formed by a resident couple in the Distrito Federal", of which one of the spouses was interned in the "Hospital de Apoio de Brasília (HAB)". The research privileged the qualitative analysis, the clinical method was used and the data had been interpreted according the family systemic approach as well as theoretical studies of human sexuality. The methods used were: semi structured guided interview, family genogram and a collage technique. The data pointed to a family and conjugal restructuration and social-cultural aspects reflected through the attitude and sexual behavior of the parts. The method was appropriate to accomplish the previously outlined objectives and for better better comprehension of the phenomenon under study. The data were discussed and related to works inserted at the bibliographic review.