The Conceptual Structure of Coping : Based on Patients receiving Hemodialysis

Chang, Sung Ok; Lee, Sook Ja; Kim, Jung Sook

Abstract

This study was done to analyze and develop the concept of coping in patients receiving hemodialysis. The Hybrid Model of concept development was applied to develop a conceptual structure of coping in patients receiving hemodialysis, which included a field study carried out using an in-dept interview with 18 patients in the hemodialysis room of one general hospital in Seoul. Data-analysis was done in three phases as suggested by the Hybrid Model. Finally, by summarizing the results from each case, the attributes of coping, its dimensions, definition and structure were outlined. According to the results of the study, a conceptual structure of coping which centers around stressors, stress-appraisal, strategy of coping and new definitions of coping in patients receiving hemodialysis was suggested: The coping of patients receiving hemodialysis is a process that deals with physical, emotional, inter-personal, and role stress caused by hemodialysis due to renal failure. It has a series of phases which include a phase that appraises the stressful situation based on past experience of chronic disease management, one's remaining years, the extent of family support, the extent of economic dependency, inter-personal support, education and uncertainty, and a phase of developing coping strategies that con be affected by social support and self esteem. As a result of coping, patients adapt or not to the life situation of receiving hemodialysis.