Contrasting feelings of helplessness in peritoneal and hemodialysis patients: a pilot study

This study compared perceptions of helplessness in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients using the Learned Helplessness Scale, a recently developed tool for measuring a newly developed nursing diagnosis. Although the sample sizes were small, a significantly greater sense of helplessness was reported by the hemodialysis group. The findings implied the need for nursing measures that enhance personal control in both groups of clients, but the hemodialysis subjects demonstrated a greater need.