An inner struggle for hope: insights from the diaries of bereaved family caregivers.

AIM

To explore the experience of hope for bereaved palliative caregivers through participant hope diaries.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of hope diaries collected as part of a grounded theory study of hope and bereavement.

SAMPLE AND SETTING

Twelve older women from a small Canadian city completed a hope diary.

DATA ANALYSIS

Content analysis (Patton, 2002) was applied to describe and interpret the data.

FINDINGS

Hope was a feeling of peace, courage, strength, and self-confidence that enabled them to face each day and look to the future with a positive outlook. Hindrances to hope were multiple losses, loneliness, and physical health concerns, which created an inner struggle for hope. Hope was fostered through positive thoughts, connections, and taking care. Writing in the diary affected their experience of hope.

CONCLUSION

The diaries provide unique insight into their experience, suggesting practical ways to foster hope in bereavement.