Chinese Arts-Based Psycho-Oncology: A Translational Systemic Meta-Synthetic Perspective

Abstract

Psycho-oncology is a quite new discipline in China. Related arts-based approaches significantly involve
translational sciences. From a meta-theoretical and epistemological perspective both use pragmatic
inferential reasoning alongside systemic meta-syntheses to scientifically substantiate practical models,
here particularly for psycho-oncological treatment in clinical and public health areas. This concerns (i)
pathological mental conditions as risk factors of cancer and mortality, (ii) psychiatric squeal of cancer,
associated changes of the patient’s cognitive and affective states, as well as self-images and socio-cultural
inclusion and (iii) mental issues of and social support for family members and caregivers of cancer
patients.
As concerns underlying mechanisms neuro-oncological, psycho-immunological and epigenetic findings
contribute to a multimodal theoretical framework, which includes microbiological, psychological, sociocultural
and aesthetic perspectives. Emphasising that efficient and individualised psycho-oncology in
practice is inextricably linked with the patient’s cultural and a spiritual background, culturally sensitive
psycho-oncology is regarded as an overall key principle and not only as a sub discipline. In this context,
music therapy using the traditional Chinese cither Guqin as well as creative and explorative work with
the patient’s voice not only provide mindful arts-based models of psycho-oncology but also encourage
other cultures to explore the psycho-oncological potential of their traditional and contemporary arts.