title: Therapeutic value of hope.
abstract: This paper discusses the therapeutic value of hope in the patient-caregiver relationship. Hope and hopelessness are viewed as a process involving the expectations of the patient and the caregiver. Hope must be realistic to be a positive factor in the healing process. While hope has therapeutic value, it also has limits. Caregivers need to be sensitive as to how their behavior can convey the hope or hopelessness of their patients' situation.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008503:Medical Staff / Q000523:psychology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012944:Social Support