Abstract

This study sought to identify variables which aid physically ill individuals in maintaining hope. Hope is defined as an expectation of goal attainment which is manifested by an orientation toward the future. It is seen as a means by which the individual maintains the integrity of his being in the midst of many stresses and the onslaught of the environment. The literature identifies several variables that may be related. These include locus of control, support from family and friends, religious or philosophical beliefs, and an attribution of a meaning or purpose for the illness. Antecedent to the expectation of goal attainment is a sense of sufficient control over the environment to attain the goal. The individual who is without hope is in a critical condition since hope is a necessary although not sufficient condition for action and for sustaining life. A positive relationship between internal locus of control and level of hope was hypothesized. Questions were asked regarding possible significant relationships between the level of hope and the other personal and social variables. Two groups of physically ill individuals were studied: (1) those with some form of cancer and (2) those with a non-life-threatening chronic illness. The 90 participants (45 in each group) were selected from a large metropolitan Visiting Nurse Association. They completed the future orientation and achievement questions on the Time Opinion Survey (as a measure of hope), the Wallston Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale and responded to questions by interview on the Sources of Support Schedule (developed by the investigator). The results of the data analysis did not support the hypothesis. Also there were no statistically significant relationships between level of hope and the variables addressed in the research questions. There were, however, statistically significant relationships found between demographic data and participants' responses to the interview questions. Religious affiliation and marital status were related to support system variables and coping strategies. Participants reported that religious beliefs or practices were helpful in coping with their illnesses. Family and friends were also identified as major factors in successful coping with the illness. Related to this, the participants reported that talking with others helped them to better deal with their illnesses. The investigator concluded that a valid and reliable tool for the measurement of hopefulness needs to be developed. It is suggested that further research be done in relation to the variables studied and hopefulness. It is also suggested that the area of spiritual needs of individuals be given further consideration in future nursing research.

Description

This dissertation has also been disseminated through the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. Dissertation/thesis number: 8022786; ProQuest document ID: 303082538. The author still retains copyright.

Author Details

Dr. Edith H. Raleigh, PhD, RN

Sigma Membership

Kappa Iota

Type

Dissertation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Descriptive/Correlational

Research Approach

Pilot/Exploratory Study

Keywords:

Adults with Serious Illness, Social Support, Hope

Advisors

Fitzpatrick, Joyce

Degree

PhD

Degree Grantor

Wayne State University

Degree Year

1980

Rights Holder

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All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.

All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

None: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2020-07-06

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