Loneliness: A Concept Analysis

TOPIC. Loneliness is a universal human experience recognized since the dawn of time, yet it is unique for every individual. Loneliness can lead to both depression and low self‐esteem. PURPOSE. This article explicates the concept of loneliness through the examination of its conceptual definition and uses, defining attributes, related concepts, and empirical referents. SOURCES OF INFORMATION. Literature review using hand search and database were used as sources of information. CONCLUSION. Because loneliness is commonly encountered in nursing situations, the information provided will serve as a framework for assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of clients

Methodological Triangulation: An Approach to Understanding Data

Aim: To (describe the use of methodological triangulation in a study of how people who had moved to retirement communities were adjusting. Background: Methodological triangulation involves using more than one kind of method to study a phenomenon. It has been found to be beneficial in providing confirmation of findings, more comprehensive data, increased validity and enhanced understanding of studied phenomena. While many researchers have used this well-established technique, there are few published examples of its use. Data sources: The authors used methodological triangulation in their study of people who had moved to retirement communities in Ohio, US. Review methods A blended qualitative and quantitative approach was used. Discussion The collected qualitative data, complemented and clarified the quantitative findings, by helping to Identify common themes. Qualitative data also helped in understanding interventions for promoting \u27pulling\u27 factors and for overcoming \u27pushing\u27 factors of participants. The authors used focused research questions to reflect the research\u27s purpose and four evaluative criteria - \u27truth value\u27, \u27applicability\u27, \u27consistency\u27 and \u27neutrality\u27 – to ensure rigour. Conclusion: This paper provides an example of how methodological triangulation can be used in nursing research. It identifies challenges associated with methodological triangulation, recommends strategies for overcoming them, provides a rationale for using triangulation and explains how to maintain rigour. Implications for research/practice: Methodological triangulation can be used to enhance the analysis and the interpretation of findings. As data are drawn from multiple sources, it broadens the researcher\u27s insight into the different issues underlying the phenomena being studied

The Effect of a Resourcefulness Training Intervention on Relocation Adjustment and Adaptive Functioning among Older Adults in Retirement Communities

The population of older adults is increasing rapidly and is expected to reach 83.7 million by the year 2050. Previous research demonstrates that greater resourcefulness is associated with better quality of life and life satisfaction. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a resourcefulness training intervention on positive cognitions, resourcefulness, relocation adjustment, and adaptive functioning among older adults who have relocated to retirement communities. Resourcefulness theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. Forty older adults who relocated to three retirement communities in Milwaukee, WI were randomly assigned to either a diversional activity group or to a resourcefulness training (RT) intervention group. Two older adults dropped out of the study (one from the diversional activity group and one from the RT group), leaving 38 elders. The results of the study indicated that there were slight increases (a trend) in the mean of positive cognitions, relocation adjustment, adaptive functioning, and personal resourcefulness in the expected direction for the RT intervention group as compared to the diversional group. Recommendations for future research include the use of larger and more diverse samples over a longer periods of time (6 weeks and 12 weeks post-intervention) as well as the use of cut scores on the resourcefulness scale so that the RT training intervention is taught to those who need it

Comprehensive evaluation of interventions: eight vital parameters

Background It is critically important to determine the effectiveness of an intervention before it can be translated into clinical practice. However, the future implementation and sustainability of the intervention may be diminished if other intervention parameters are not assessed. This requires obtaining feedback from intervention recipients so interventions will be perceived as appealing, relevant, meaningful and beneficial to them; otherwise recipients may be unlikely to perform them over time, resulting in unsuccessful health outcomes. Aim To propose the addition of two intervention parameters to the existing six-parameter model and provide examples from recent research of how each parameter can be tested. Discussion Definitions of the eight parameters are provided and methods for analysing each of them explained. While some studies show necessity, fidelity and cost have unique distinguishing characteristics, other studies indicate feasibility, acceptability and safety have common features, and efficacy and effectiveness are closely associated. Conclusion Researchers frequently examine one or two parameters, but few simultaneously apply the six-parameter model. This model is also missing two vital parameters – efficacy and cost. Implications for practice Comprehensive and systematic evaluation of all eight intervention parameters is recommended before researchers begin randomised controlled trials and translate them into practice

Relationships Among Perceived Burden, Depressive Cognitions, Resourcefulness, and Quality of Life in Female Relatives of Seriously Mentally Ill Adults

Providing care and support to a seriously mentally ill (SMI) family member can have deleterious effects on one\u27s health and quality of life. This study explored relationships among perceived burden, depressive cognitions, resourcefulness, and quality of life in 60 African-American and Caucasian women family members of SMI adults. Caucasians reported greater burden than African-Americans; the groups were similar in depressive cognitions, resourcefulness, and quality of life. In Caucasians and African-Americans, burden correlated with depressive cognitions and both correlated with poorer mental health. In African-Americans, burden also correlated with lower personal resourcefulness and both correlated with poorer mental health. The findings suggest a mediating role by depressive cognitions for both groups and by resourcefulness in African-Americans. Thus, both groups of women may benefit from positive thinking while African-Americans also may benefit from learning personal resourcefulness skills

Happiness: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations

TOPIC. Although happiness is important in maintaining health, few studies of happiness can be found in the nursing literature. PURPOSE. This paper explicates the concept of happiness through examination of its defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and measurement. SOURCES OF INFORMATION. Literature review using hand search, and databases were used as sources of information. CONCLUSION. The information provided can be used in clinical practice so that nursing strategies can be developed and tested to help people to become happy and healthy

Psychometric Evaluation of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale in Adults with Functional Limitations

Enjoyment is an important construct for understanding physical activity participation, and it has not been examined in adults with functional limitations. This secondary analysis reported the reliability and validity of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) in a convenience sample of 40 adults with functional limitations. The participants completed the PACES, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) prior to beginning a 12-week feasibility dance intervention study. Results indicated reliability as Cronbach\u27s alpha was .95 and mean inter-item correlation was .52. To further support reliability, homogeneity of the instrument was evaluated using item-to-total scale correlations. Homogeneity was supported as all items had corrected item-to-total correlations greater than .30. For validity, the PACES was significantly related to only the Physical Function component of the LLFDI (r = .38, p = .02), but not the CES-D. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 3-factor structure that accounted for 73.76% of the variance. This feasibility intervention dance study represented the first attempt to examine the psychometric properties of the PACES in adults with functional limitations. The findings demonstrate support for the scale\u27s reliability and validity among adults with functional limitations. Results are informative as further psychometric testing of the PACES is recommended using randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes. Enjoyment for physical activity is an important construct for understanding physical activity participation in adults with functional limitations

Psychometrics of the Depressive Cognition Scale in Caregivers of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Caregivers of persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are prone to depression, and early identification of cognitive depressive symptoms is important to prevent the development of clinical depression. The Depressive Cognition Scale (DCS) can be used for early detection, but the scale\u27s psychometrics has not been tested in caregivers of persons with ASD. In this study, 95 caregivers of persons with ASD completed the eight-item DCS and measures of caregiver burden and resourcefulness. A Cronbach\u27s alpha of .90 indicated internal consistency. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with caregiver burden (.59) and resourcefulness (− .57). Principal component factor analysis produced a single factor with 58% of the variance explained. The findings suggest the DCS is useful for early detection of depression in caregivers of persons with ASD

Theoretical Substruction Illustrated by the Theory of Learned Resourcefulness (article)

This article describes the process of theoretical substruction and uses this process to examine the significance of Rosenbaum\u27s resourcefulness theory for nursing research and practice. The article discusses relocation as a phenomenon of interest to gero-psychiatric nurses working with elders who have relocated to retirement communities, illustrated by the theory of learned resourcefulness. The literature was reviewed to assess the congruence between the theoretical and operational systems suggested by Rosenbaum\u27s resourcefulness theory. A model of learned resourcefulness is presented that includes middle-range concepts, relational statements, and propositions derived from the research literature. Theoretical substruction provides a mechanism for testing middle-range theories that may contribute to nursing knowledge development

Creating a Therapeutic Milieu in Retirement Communities

Elderly persons’ relocation to retirement communities is a stressful event that requires person-milieu adjustment. Research has shown differences in relocation adjustment for elders residing in different retirement communities. A secondary analysis used findings from a study of relocated elders in order to determine whether certain therapeutic factors were lacking in retirement communities where elders had difficulty in adjusting. Study participants were 104 elders who relocated to six retirement communities in Northeast Ohio. This study analyzed qualitative data from the researchers’ observations and field notes and narratives obtained from the elders who participated in the original study. The analysis focused on data that described the environmental characteristics of retirement communities where elders reported less successful adjustment. These environmental characteristics were evaluated for consistency with the characteristics of Shives’ therapeutic milieu. Most retirement communities in the study did not fulfill all eight dimensions of a therapeutic milieu as defined by Shives. For example, individualized treatment programs were lacking in most of the retirement communities and the activities offered were not based on individual assessment and did not contribute to personal growth. The findings point to the need to create a more therapeutic milieu in retirement communities in order to facilitate successful readjustment for relocated elders