Biomedical subjects

M A Hainsworth

Publications and source records attributed to M A Hainsworth.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Middle-range theory of chronic sorrow.

PURPOSE: To introduce a middle-range nursing theory of chronic sorrow that presents this sorrow as a normal response to ongoing disparity due to loss. Chronic sorrow is the periodic recurrence of permanent, pervasive sadness or other grief related feelings associated with a significant loss. The theory provides a framework for understanding and working with people following a single or ongoing loss. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK: The model of chronic sorrow includes antecedents, trigger events, and internal and external management methods. SCOPE: Theory is useful for analyzing individual responses of people experiencing ongoing disparity due to chronic illness, caregiving responsibilities, loss of the "perfect" child, or bereavement. SOURCES: The theory was developed using concept analysis, critical review of research, and validation in 10 qualitative studies of various loss situations. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic sorrow has been shown to explain the experience of people across the lifespan who encounter ongoing disparity because of significant loss. Nurses need to view chronic sorrow as a normal response to loss and, when it is triggered, provide support by fostering positive coping strategies and assuming roles that increase comfort.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1996

Helping spouses with chronic sorrow related to multiple sclerosis.

1. Chronic sorrow is defined as a pervasive sadness that is permanent, periodic, and progressive in nature. 2. Milestones or events which caused the sorrow to recur were major themes in this study. 3. The participants identified what was helpful and not helpful in coping with these feelings, gave practical advice for similar individuals, and offered suggestions for nurses and other caregivers.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1995

Helping spouses with chronic sorrow related to multiple sclerosis.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1994

Living with multiple sclerosis: the experience of chronic sorrow.

This qualitative nursing research study investigated the occurrence of chronic sorrow in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Using the Burke/NCRCS Chronic Sorrow Questionnaire (Individual Version), 10 participants were interviewed. Data were analyzed in collaboration with one other researcher. Of the participants, 80% evidenced the presence of chronic sorrow in their lives. Data clearly indicated that feelings of chronic sorrow occurred periodically over a protracted span of time when some event reminded participants of their chronic situation. The nursing roles of empathetic presence and caring professional helped participants the most in dealing with their feelings of chronic sorrow.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1992

Chronic sorrow: a lifespan concept.

Losses are an integral part of chronic illness and disability. The term chronic sorrow, has been used to describe the long-term periodic sadness the chronically ill and their caregivers experience in reaction to continual losses. In this conceptual analysis of chronic sorrow, identified critical attributes are: cyclic sadness over time in a situation with no predictable end; external and internal stimuli triggering the feelings of loss, disappointment, and fear; and, progression and intensification of the sadness or sorrow years after the initial disappointment or loss. Model, borderline, related, contrary, and illegitimate cases illustrate what the concept is and what it is not. The meaning of chronic sorrow is compared to the meaning of unresolvable grief and depression. Chronic sorrow in various stages of life is illustrated in descriptions of: the situation and feelings of parents of handicapped children; multiple sclerosis patients in the middle, productive years; and elderly caregivers of spouses with dementia. Implications for research include the need to study the concept in various populations to determine its prevalence and operation. Through research, the meaning of the concept can be further clarified. This is a beginning step toward developing nursing theory that will give direction for providing care to persons encountering sadness over long periods of time.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic sorrow in multiple sclerosis. A case study.

Multiple sclerosis, one of the most common chronic disabilities among young adults, may potentiate the occurrence of chronic sorrow. Chronic sorrow differs from acute grief because it is permanent, periodic, and progressive in nature; it may be a normal component of chronic illness and disability. This study describes one woman's experience with multiple sclerosis, her chronic sorrow about the trajectory of her disability, her progressive loss of bodily function, and the stigma of chronic illness. It also reports some of the feelings experienced by her husband, the primary caregiver.

Caregivers↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Coping with chronic sorrow.

This qualitative study was designed to examine the presence of chronic sorrow in diverse populations of individuals with chronic or life threatening conditions and to identify strategies for coping with feelings of chronic sorrow. Chronic sorrow was defined as a pervasive sadness that is permanent, periodic, and progressive in nature. The sample comprised 5 infertile couples, 10 individuals with long-term cancer, 10 individuals with multiple sclerosis, 6 individuals with Parkinson's disease, and 4 spouse caregivers. Data were collected through audiotaped face-to-face or telephone interviews using the Burke/NCRCS Chronic Sorrow Questionnaire. The audiotapes were transcribed, entered into a computer analysis program, and collaboratively analyzed by the researchers. The findings indicate that 83% of the subjects experienced chronic sorrow. The four coping strategies that were identified by the subjects as being helpful to their situation were categorized by the researchers as interpersonal, emotional, cognitive, and action.

Adaptation, Psychological↗