Abstract
Nurses daily encounter persons who are suffering, but few have studied the suffering experience. Although the phenomena has been observed in the clinical setting, scientific inquiry has been limited. The meaning of suffering was explored through semistructured interviews with 20 subjects who had multiple sclerosis. The adaptation to suffering model provided the conceptual framework for this qualitative study. Stressors (e.g., problems associated with multiple sclerosis) and strategies perceived as helpful were identified. Subjects' responses about their suffering experiences followed an hierarchical progression from shock and denial through acceptance and understanding to finding meaning in their suffering. Rank ordering of responses illustrated the components of adaptation and how they changed with duration of illness. Findings provided support for the theoretical model and the importance of assisting clients to find meaning in their suffering experiences.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
