Hope: a construct central to nursing.
OBJECTIVE
To enhance understanding of the concept of hope from a synthesis of varied perspectives.


METHODS
Published literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Conceptualizations of hope influence one's view of "false hope." Critical dimensions of hope as well as hope antecedents and threats provide direction for nursing intervention. Specific challenges to nurses related to hope inspiration are present at the end of life. Hope-inspiring strategies for persons at the end of life are summarized.
Fitzgerald Miller
Judith
J
Marquette University College of Nursing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. judith.miller@mu.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D006040:Goals; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009013:Morale; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology