[Hopelessness: a concept analysis].
Hopelessness means no hope, the feeling that hopes have been destroyed or of facing a dilemma that cannot be solved. It is a subjective emotion which has a negative viewpoint for the future--one of losing control, confidence, courage and the energy to reach one's goal. Hopelessness can threaten a patient's physical and psychological well-being, and affect the process of recovery and rehabilitation. There is a great deal of relevant literature which explores the influence of hopelessness but there is no literature to analyze the concept of hopelessness. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to elucidate the concept of hopelessness, using a technique of concept analysis described by Walker and Avent (1995). In this concept analysis of hopelessness, the term is defined and the critical attributes are identified. Model, borderline, and contrary cases illustrate what the concept is and what it is not. The antecedents and consequences of hopelessness are identified to further refine the critical attributes. The article enhances a nurse's correct view of this concept and offers the concept for use in clinical nursing.