Hope in the Older Adult with Chronic Illness: A Comparison of Two Research Methods in Theory Building

Abstract

When current theory about a concept of interest is insufficient, the researcher may desire to build or expand theory. Two research methods for building nursing theory are compared by asking the same question using each method. Phenomenology was used to analyze the interviews of six older adults with chronic illness regarding their experience of hope. Eight theme categories depicted the essential structure. Using concept mapping, eight older adults with chronic illness generated statements about hope. Nine clusters resulted. The methods are compared for procedure and outcome. Although differing with regard to time and participant involvement, the similarity of outcomes suggests that qualitative research is robust.

Quality of life and hope in elderly people with cancer

“…However, consensus on a common definition has not been reached [9]. Hope has been defined as a catalyst that assists individuals to cope successfully with life's challenges and transitions, and which facilitates continued functioning during chronic illness and other significant losses [26][27][28]. This is especially important for elderly people who are challenged with the task of maintaining hope in the face of loss [12].…”

“…This is especially important for elderly people who are challenged with the task of maintaining hope in the face of loss [12]. Defining hope in relation to achievement, success, and control is problematic for the elderly who may perhaps already have experienced loss of their spouse and friends, moving away from the family home, and / or reduction in physical capacity [27][28][29]. In clinical practice, it is often stated that health care professionals should not take away hope from people suffering from cancer; especially those with advanced cancer.…”

A path of perpetual resilience: Exploring the experience of a diabetes-related amputation through grounded theory

“…and social impacts of their amputations were found in studies by Dunn (1996), Forbes (1999), Nyenhuis (1997), andTreat-Jacobsen et al (2002), who described a progression from the immediate impacts of chronic illness (and amputation), to a sense of loss, experiencing limitations, modifi cation and adaptation (among fear and uncertainty), to acceptance and positive adjustment. This is a cyclic process repeated when there is further crisis, for example, following another amputation.…”

Avaliação do nível de esperança de vida de idosos renais crônicos em hemodiálise

“…Every chronic disease impacts one's personal and professional life, requires complex therapeutic regimes and significant changes in daily living activities. Hence, patients are expected to experience feelings of helplessness (5) .…”

“…Keeping hope in the face of a chronic disease is an endless process, though also a valuable resource in the coping process (5) . Hope has a beneficial effect on individuals' health because it enables people to deal with crises, to maintain quality of life, to remain resolute in achieving healthy objectives, promoting health (7) .…”