title: One step towards the understanding of hope: a concept analysis.
abstract: Hope is an essential concept in nursing which has not been satisfactorily explored. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the concept of hope, using a technique of concept analysis described by Walker and Avant (1995). The critical attributes revealed were; future-orientation, positive expectation, intentionality, activity, realism, goal-setting, and inter-connectedness. Various illustrative cases are presented as well as antecedents and outcomes. The discussion highlights some critical aspects of the method used and the results of this analysis may serve as a guide for further empirical research. In order to grasp the true nature of hope, complementary research studies employing a variety of methodological approaches are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Sweden. eva.benzein@vdsa.hik.se
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Benzein
authors.forename: B I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Saveman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D008091:Literature; D016294:Models, Nursing; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology