Why was Polly so angry at Dr. Dubuis? How might Pollyís anger affect this familyís situation?

Question

Alice Singletary, a novice social worker with Magnolia Hospice in Alexandria, Louisiana, met June Plunket, who had terminal cancer, and her daughter, Polly, for an admission interview. June was in quite a bit of pain and trying to cope with dying. Polly blamed Dr. Dubuis and herself for her mother’s approaching death, and was also angry with her brother, who had distanced himself from the family. June and Polly lived in a chaotic and overcrowded household with Polly’s daughter, Jenna, and Jenna’s two young children. While assessing June’s situation, Alice identified a multitude of family problems which had to be balanced with the mission of the hospice. In this situation, Alice was not sure where to begin.

Answer 1

Pollyís anger could be a natural part of the grieving process which some theorists have labeled an ìangry phaseî (Kubler Ross, 1969, 1997). Grieving persons often displace their anger toward a target, blaming physicians, other family members, or themselves, as Polly seemed to be doing.
Pollyís anger and distrust of Dr. Dubuis could also undermine her ability to trust the hospice physician, Dr. Nelson. It would be important for Polly and June to accept his guidance in the terminal phase of Juneís illness. Pollyís anger at herself and at Dr. Dubuis was growing, while Juneís health was rapidly declining.