Analysis of leukemia-diagnosed adolescents' psychic functioning with death drive

In this research, psychic functioning of the adolescents has been analyzed based on the death drive. The psychic universe, design, and the affectivity of the phenomena have been studied. The aim of this research is to contribute to other studies and the body of literature concerning adolescents diagnosed with cancer. The research has been conducted with 5 leukemia-diagnosed adolescents between ages 14-18. After preliminary clinical interviews with the participants, Rorschach Test and Thematic Apperception Test have been conducted. The findings were evaluated within the French School, using the "Rorschach Turkish-Adolescent Norms". As a result of the analysis, it has been found out that the death drive is dominant in their overall psyche, they have difficulties in mentalization, and that they cannot cope with depressive affect.