Title |
A Review of the Construct of Demoralization
|
---|---|
Published in |
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, October 2014
|
DOI | 10.1177/1049909114553461 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Sophie Robinson, David W. Kissane, Joanne Brooker, Susan Burney |
Abstract |
Demoralization has been the subject of discussion in relation to end-of-life care. It is characterized by hopelessness and helplessness due to a loss of purpose and meaning. The purpose of this review was to consolidate the conceptual understanding of demoralization and argue for its existence as a psychiatric syndrome. The history of the construct is explored, including the nature of existential distress and related psychological conditions that precipitate demoralization. Recent definitions of demoralization are described and differentiated from similar constructs. Future directions are highlighted, specifically in relation to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of demoralization in palliative care. Overall, demoralization is a clinically useful construct for those facing existential threat, guiding the clinician toward efforts to restore morale, meaning, and purpose. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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Spain | 1 | 17% |
Unknown | 5 | 83% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
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Members of the public | 4 | 67% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 1 | 17% |
Scientists | 1 | 17% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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Canada | 1 | <1% |
Unknown | 125 | 99% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
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Student > Ph. D. Student | 17 | 13% |
Student > Master | 15 | 12% |
Librarian | 14 | 11% |
Researcher | 11 | 9% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 8 | 6% |
Other | 25 | 20% |
Unknown | 36 | 29% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
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Medicine and Dentistry | 36 | 29% |
Psychology | 21 | 17% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 13 | 10% |
Neuroscience | 6 | 5% |
Social Sciences | 6 | 5% |
Other | 8 | 6% |
Unknown | 36 | 29% |