G G Eakes1, M L Burke, M A Hainsworth. 1. School of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. eakesg@mail.ecu.edu
Abstract
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.
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.
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