Concept analysis of fear.

The nursing diagnosis fear is clarified through the technique of concept analysis. Uses of the concept of fear in prominent theories of human behavior and in nursing are reviewed. Five critical attributes occurring in all cases of fear are identified--a model case, a related case, a contrary case, and an illegitimate case are presented. Antecedents to fear are derived. Consequences of fear are discussed and are related to nursing interventions. Empirical referents that demonstrate occurrence of the concept of fear are determined, classified, and related to critical attributes. This concept analysis provides an essential conceptual base for instrument development and clinical research on fear.