THE INSPIRATION OF HOPE IN BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING

Abstract

While most healthcare workers would agree that hope is necessary for healthy living, the current understanding of hope and hoping is incomplete. This article reports on a study that attempted to answer the question: Do bereavement counselors inspire hope in their clients, and if so, how? The study used a modified grounded theory method and collected data, by means of interviews, from a total sample of 12 participants, comprising bereavement counselors and ex-clients who had received bereavement counseling. The data were coded and analysed using the constant comparative method, which produced an emerging, integrated, substantive grounded theory of hope inspiration for this client group. This theory includes a core variable: the implicit projection of hope and hopefulness; and three subcore variables: forging the connection and the relationship; facilitating a cathartic release; and experiencing a good (healthy) ending. The theory indicates that this hope inspiration appears to be a subtle, unobtrusive process that was bound up with the necessary and sufficient human qualities in the counselor and the projection of these into the environment (and client).

Notes

1 However, perhaps such a-priori knowledge of some of the literature might be analogous to [Glaser and Strauss's (1967)] partial framework of local concepts; designating a few principal or gross features of the structure and processes in the situations that will be studied.

2 Formal ethical approval was not necessary since the sample did not comprise any current health service clients, nor did it take place on National Health Service property.

3 As a result of the constant verification, comparison of codes with categories, properties, memos and additional codes.