An inner struggle for hope: insights from the diaries of bereaved family caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the experience of hope for bereaved palliative caregivers through participant hope diaries.


METHODS
A secondary analysis of hope diaries collected as part of a grounded theory study of hope and bereavement.


METHODS
Twelve older women from a small Canadian city completed a hope diary.


METHODS
Content analysis (Patton, 2002) was applied to describe and interpret the data.


RESULTS
Hope was a feeling of peace, courage, strength, and self-confidence that enabled them to face each day and look to the future with a positive outlook. Hindrances to hope were multiple losses, loneliness, and physical health concerns, which created an inner struggle for hope. Hope was fostered through positive thoughts, connections, and taking care. Writing in the diary affected their experience of hope.


CONCLUSIONS
The diaries provide unique insight into their experience, suggesting practical ways to foster hope in bereavement.
Holtslander
Lorraine
L
College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Canada. lorraine.holtslander@usask.ca
Duggleby
Wendy
W
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001601:Bereavement; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D009013:Morale; D009369:Neoplasms; D010166:Palliative Care; D014956:Writing