Coulehan discusses hope, especially in the context of hospice and palliative care…
“Studies of terminally ill patients have demonstrated clusters of personal and situational factors associated with enhancement or suppression of hope at the end of life. Enhancing factors included interpersonal connectedness, attainable goals, spiritual beliefs and practices, personal attributes of determination, courage, and serenity, lightheartedness, uplifting memories, and affirmation of personal worth. Suppressive factors included uncontrollable pain and discomfort, abandonment and isolation, and devaluation of personhood. Most of these factors can be modulated by good palliative care, utilizing basic interpersonal techniques that demonstrate kindness, humanity, and respect.”