Courage as a process of pushing beyond the struggle
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Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
1Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA.
Abstract:
Six qualitative studies have been carried out to better understand courage among individuals who range in age from 14 to 94 years and are experiencing a variety of lingering threats to their well-being. The purpose of this meta-interpretation was to synthesize those works and further delineate an emergent formal theory of courage. Based on the findings, courage is a dynamic phenomenon that is precipitated by a perceived threat. The ability to be courageous develops over time and includes efforts to fully accept reality, problem solve based on discernment, and push beyond ongoing struggles. Courageous behavior is characterized by efforts to be productive, make contributions, and help others and results in a sense of personal integrity and thriving. Courage is promoted and sustained by several interrelated intrapersonal and interpersonal forces as well as the reflective awareness that one has developed a courageous persona.
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