Unrelieved Stress, Decreased Resilience, and Disengagement Coping Strategies Are Associated With Lower Levels of Hope in Patients With Cancer.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine clinically meaningful cut points for the Herth Hope Index and evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as stress, resilience, and coping, between patients with lower versus higher levels of hope.

Sample & setting: Outpatients with cancer receiving chemotherapy (N = 1,295).

Methods & variables: Patients completed the Herth Hope Index, Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale-Patient Version, and stress, resilience, and coping measures prior to their second or third cycle of chemotherapy.

Results: Optimal cut points for the Herth Hope Index were 40 or less (i.e., lower level of hope) and greater than 40 (i.e., higher level of hope). The Lower Hope group had a higher comorbidity burden and lower functional status.

Implications for nursing: Clinicians can use this information to educate patients about interventions that can decrease stress and improve their coping abilities. Patients with cancer may benefit from having conversations with clinicians that authentically convey prognosis and provide a realistic sense of hope.