In 1962, Simon Olshansky, a counselor, coined the term “chronic sorrow” after listening to the experiences of parents with profoundly disabled children. He attempted to describe the widespread psychological response parents suffered (Peterson & Bredow, 2013). The middle-range theory of chronic sorrow expands and elaborates on the work of Olshansky.
Description of the Theory
The Theory of Chronic Sorrow is a middle-range theory developed by Georgene Eakes, Mary Burke, and Margaret Hainsworth in 1998. This theory provides a framework to describe the reaction of caregivers to the ongoing losses associated with caring for a child with chronic illness or disability. Eakes, Burke and Hainsworth (1998) drew in part from research garnered from ten …show more content…
For example, Olwit et al (2015) concluded that caregivers reported grief-related feelings characteristic of chronic sorrow triggered by many factors. These factors fell into the following categories: unending care giving; patient's change in behavior; management of crises; society reaction to the mental illness; and missed companionship. Chronic sorrow theory is significant because it has the ability to have a positive impact on the care received and given. A study conducted by Bettle and Latimer (2009) surrounding mothers of children with progressive neurodegenerative disease concluded that advanced practice nurses (APN) could be influential. APNs can give ongoing validation, support, and empathy to empower mothers in order to promote strength in the midst of …show more content…
We must be sensitive to the grieving process and establish a plan of care to accommodate these situations. It is also important to not label the parents as depressed without first sending them for appropriate evaluation. Chronic sorrow should not be confused with depression. It is important that the health care team treat chronic sorrow as normal and not as a pathological response. This includes empathizing with the parents/caregivers; being both supportive and reassuring. Recognition is important, along with allowing parents to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Encouraging an environment that is patient, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and respectful is of utmost importance when dealing with chronic sorrow. I would include a detailed and thorough education about the Cystic Fibrosis diagnoses. I would also recommend a support group for the parents to engage and talk with other families with children who have chronic
Description of the Theory
The Theory of Chronic Sorrow is a middle-range theory developed by Georgene Eakes, Mary Burke, and Margaret Hainsworth in 1998. This theory provides a framework to describe the reaction of caregivers to the ongoing losses associated with caring for a child with chronic illness or disability. Eakes, Burke and Hainsworth (1998) drew in part from research garnered from ten …show more content…
For example, Olwit et al (2015) concluded that caregivers reported grief-related feelings characteristic of chronic sorrow triggered by many factors. These factors fell into the following categories: unending care giving; patient's change in behavior; management of crises; society reaction to the mental illness; and missed companionship. Chronic sorrow theory is significant because it has the ability to have a positive impact on the care received and given. A study conducted by Bettle and Latimer (2009) surrounding mothers of children with progressive neurodegenerative disease concluded that advanced practice nurses (APN) could be influential. APNs can give ongoing validation, support, and empathy to empower mothers in order to promote strength in the midst of …show more content…
We must be sensitive to the grieving process and establish a plan of care to accommodate these situations. It is also important to not label the parents as depressed without first sending them for appropriate evaluation. Chronic sorrow should not be confused with depression. It is important that the health care team treat chronic sorrow as normal and not as a pathological response. This includes empathizing with the parents/caregivers; being both supportive and reassuring. Recognition is important, along with allowing parents to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Encouraging an environment that is patient, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and respectful is of utmost importance when dealing with chronic sorrow. I would include a detailed and thorough education about the Cystic Fibrosis diagnoses. I would also recommend a support group for the parents to engage and talk with other families with children who have chronic