Disease-specific learning processes among cancer patients

Every year, around 38,000 people in Austria are diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis affects the body, the mind and the social environment. Anxiety and depression are considered common side effects of cancer. In order to counteract these and, subsequently, to promote health in line with Schwartz's holistic bio-psycho-social approach, data on anxiety and depression, as well as physical and socio-economic factors (educational attainment and income), were collected. The results of the study, which was carried out at the Medical University of Vienna, were analysed and interpreted on the basis of three exemplary educational theories. The educational theories of Humboldt, Hentig and Klafki were drawn upon for this purpose. This enabled the development of strategies to reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients.