Date of Award
Fall 1980
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
Abstract
The purpose of this essay has been to develop an assessment tool to be used to determine the presence and degree of helplessness in the elderly hospitalized patient. Helplessness is the psychological state which results when the individual perceives his inability to effect any kind of change or exert control over the events of a given situation. Behaviors including withdrawal, lack of motivation or givirg up are some of the indicators of helplessness frequently observed in elderly hospitalized patients which interfere with these patients' ability to cope with illness. The assessment tool is based on a review of literature concerning behavioral indicators of helplessness and behaviors which have been observed in the clinical setting over a period of time. Nineteen behavioral indicators have been used in the tool. These behaviors were divided into four major categories: verbal response, emotional response, participation in activities of daily living and involvement in learning about illness and related care responsibilities. Each behavior was assigned a rating scale of zero to four, zero designating a seldom seen behavior and four designating a frequently seen behavior. The tool needs to be further validated through clinical research.
Recommended Citation
Oertel, Christine Bohm, "The Development of An Assessment Tool to Determine the Degree of Helplessness in Elderly Hospitalized Patients" (1980). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3572.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3572