Disempowerment Among Adults With Chronic Illness: A Concept Analysis Using the Walker and Avant Method

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Health Psychology
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Disempowerment is a complex concept in chronic illness literature.
• Previous definitions often viewed it as the opposite of empowerment or a result of imbalanced care dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the concept of disempowerment in adults experiencing chronic illness.
• To establish defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of disempowerment.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, etc.).
• The Walker and Avant approach to concept analysis was employed.
• Definitions and descriptions from 45 included articles were synthesized.

Main Results:

• Two defining attributes identified: diminishing opportunities for control and dissatisfaction with this reduction.
• Antecedents include health status changes and expectation mismatches.
• The primary consequence is disengagement.

Conclusions:

• Disempowerment is a state of dissatisfaction with diminished control, arising from health changes and expectation mismatches, resulting in disengagement.
• It represents a holistic illness experience, distinct from the mere opposite of empowerment.
• Understanding disempowerment comprehensively is crucial for tailored patient care and tool development.