Repository logo
 

Exploring Hope in Families Affected by Problematic Substance Use: An Interpretive Descriptive Study

Date

2020-09-04

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0000-0002-6946-7739

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

The effects of problematic substance use are far-reaching and affect the individuals engaged in problematic substance use, as well as their family members. Hope is a powerful psychosocial tool for these families and caregivers and can reduce their suffering. When utilized in periods of hopelessness and despair, hope helps people to develop resilience. There is limited or no research on the experiences of hope for family members affected by problematic substance use. In this interpretive descriptive study, I explored the experiences of 21 family members concerning hope and hopelessness in their lives. Major themes I found included the manifestation, impacts of, and factors countering hopelessness. Overall, my findings show that family cohesiveness, social structures, and the interplay of hope and hopelessness are significant factors that determine hope for family members of people who experience problematic substance use. Appreciating the families’ challenges gives health care professionals a better understanding of how to assist families in finding hope during uncertain and challenging times. Clinicians can assist families in identifying their strengths, agencies, and pathways of hope, which can support their self-care and enhance their resiliency. My personal and professional experiences as a Registered Nurses both informed and were shaped by this study. Specifically, this study has shaped my understanding of the role of hope in practicing strength-based approached to care.

Description

Keywords

Family, problematic substance use, hope, hopelessness, interpretive descriptive

Citation

Degree

Master of Nursing (M.N.)

Department

Nursing

Program

Nursing

Citation

Part Of

item.page.relation.ispartofseries

DOI

item.page.identifier.pmid

item.page.identifier.pmcid