Analysis of the concept of aloneness. As applied to older women being treated for depression.
The concept of aloneness is examined in very few published materials. This article analyzes the concept of aloneness through the experiences of eight older women being treated for depression. When the women were depressed, they viewed aloneness as being vulnerable, fearful, helpless, and as having a loss of control of self and identity confusion. As the women progressed in their recovery from depression, they viewed aloneness as being self-reliant, hopeful, and resourceful and as having self-determination and self-reflection. Establishing and clarifying the meaning of aloneness for older women during their depression and during their recovery from depression is basic to using the concept of aloneness in nursing theory development and in gerontological nursing practice, education, and research.
Pierce
Linda L
LL
Medical College of Ohio, Toledo School of Nursing, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Wilkinson
Laura K
LK
Anderson
Judith
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*