Introduction
Over the last century, the theory of chronic sorrow was addressed by a significant number of academics and health professionals. The term itself was coined in 1962 by a rehabilitation counselor Simon Olshansky (Olwit et al., 2018). He started developing the theory of chronic sorrow after he observed some recurrent tendencies of certain psychological and emotional responses in parents of intellectually challenged children. Other researchers have observed similar responses in this population, and the term soon became validated. The theory of chronic sorrow, current research and its applications will be summarized in this essay. The second learning outcome (Critique nursing’s conceptual models, grand theories, and mid-range theories) will be addressed by discussing and critically assessing the Middle Range Nursing Theory of Chronic Sorrow.
Current Research on Chronic Sorrow
Since the moment the term ‘chronic sorrow’ was coined 40 years ago, research on this phenomenon has primarily focused on the caregivers of mentally disabled children. The Nursing Consortium for Research on Chronic Sorrow (NCRCS) was established by Eakes, Hainsworth, Lindgren, and Burke to expand the research, including other factors that may result in chronic sorrow (Coughlin & Sethares, 2017). Research has identified a number of symptoms that characterize chronic sorrow, including “frustration, fear, anger, and helplessness” (Olwit et al., 2018, p. 7). In addition, chronic sorrow symptoms have been seen both in people who have suffered a loss situation recently and those who struggle with stress caused by persistent memories of the loss.
Middle-Range Nursing Theory of Chronic Sorrow
The middle-range theory of chronic sorrow generally presents this phenomenon as a common and healthy reaction to critical situations and losses in life. The main strength of this theory is that it provides nursing professionals with a framework for understanding and interpreting individuals’ responses to loss (Coughlin & Sethares, 2017). Thus, it helps nurses to recognize chronic sorrow symptoms and provide those suffering the loss with internal and external coping mechanisms (Coughlin & Sethares, 2017). This is particularly important for professionals working in units where chronic sorrow symptoms are more likely to be triggered, such as acute-care and long-term care units.
Research Application of Chronic Sorrow
Thus, commonly developed research applications of chronic sorrow theory focus on the development of personal management methods that would be beneficial for individuals suffering different loss situations. Effective internal and external coping mechanisms are essential in order to increase the intervals between the episodes (Coughlin & Sethares, 2017). Moreover, the intensity levels of chronic sorrow spells are also likely to decrease with the use of appropriate techniques (Coughlin & Sethares, 2017). Further research can be recommended to concentrate on various stressful scenarios that precede chronic sorrow episodes, as well as individually developed techniques that facilitate the coping process.
NCRCS Chronic Sorrow Instrument Development
The middle-range theory of chronic sorrow involves the application of specific instruments to help with diagnosis and treatment. Over the course of its history, the NCRCS has developed several chronic sorrow assessment tools. The first instrument was the Burke/NCRCS Chronic Sorrow Questionnaire, used both in telephone and personal interviews (Olwit et al., 2018). Using this tool, nurses were able to assess the severity of the condition in individuals suffering the loss, as well as measure the risks for those affected by the situation. This tool was later developed into the Adapted Burke Questionnaire (ABQ) (Olwit et al., 2018). This instrument also allowed for measuring the mood states that individuals experienced during chronic sorrow spells.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the theory of chronic sorrow has allowed health professionals to gain a more profound insight into various aspects of this phenomenon. The NCRCS has played a major role in developing assessment tools, as well as studying and implementing research applications to examine ways of facilitating coping processes for those suffering from loss. It can be argued that there is a lack of data on the causes of chronic sorrow; therefore, other causes and populations have to be examined in future research. Further studies may focus on creating more accurate instruments to examine chronic sorrow symptoms and help nurses to assess and manage this condition.
References
Coughlin, M. B., & Sethares, K. A. (2017). Chronic sorrow in parents of children with a chronic illness or disability: An integrative literature review.Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 37(2), 108-116. Web.
Olwit, C., Mugaba, M., Osingada, C. P., & Nabirye, R. C. (2018). Existence, triggers, and coping with chronic sorrow: A qualitative study of caretakers of children with sickle cell disease in a national referral hospital in Kampala, Uganda.BMC Psychology, 6(1), 1-12. Web.