A Concept Analysis of Gratitude in Patients Based on Rodgers’ Evolutionary Method

Abstract

This article presents a concept analysis of the gratitude experience of diseased patients. The Rodgers’ Evolutionary Method was used for conducting the analysis. A search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, and Springer databases was conducted using “gratitude or appreciation or thanks” and “patient or illness” as a key word, 22 final articles were selected. Three critical attributes of gratitude in patients were identified: positive emotions, acceptance of the current status, and a driving force to plant the will of life. In addition, two antecedents of gratitude in patients were identified: interactions with people or the environment, and the perception of a favorable stimuli or help. Two consequences of gratitude in patients were identified: an increased compliance in implemented treatment, and an enhancement of trust relationship. The concept analysis describes diseased patients’ gratitude. This paper will become the basis for future clinical research related to diseased patients’ gratitude.