Viewing the art and the science of pediatric nursing through the lens of paradigms: the impact on hope for the future.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the strengths and limitations of common research paradigms used in the study of the hope of parents who have children with a variety of illnesses.

CONCLUSIONS

Research findings on parental hope extracted from only one paradigm present limitations to related knowledge development. To take into account the contributions from each paradigm and to allow for a multidimensional understanding of parental hope, a multiparadigmatic approach is needed.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The complementary findings from multiple research paradigms can lead to a comprehensive base of knowledge that can guide future research and develop effective, family-centered pediatric nursing care.