Learned resourcefulness: a conceptual analysis

Resourcefulness is an important phenomenon in promoting adaptive functioning in individuals experiencing depressive illness. A review of nursing and related literature reveals increasing interest in the usefulness of learned resourcefulness. However, the theoretical and empirical literature also addresses several other phenomena of concern to nurses that seem similar or related to learned resourcefulness. The process of concept analysis provides a useful approach for examining important phenomena and clarifying similarities and differences from related concepts. The purpose of this paper is to explicate the concept of learned resourcefulness through the examination of its uses and consideration of model, borderline, related, contrary, and illegitimate cases. As a result, the defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents are identified. Theoretical, methodological, and clinical implications related to the concept of learned resourcefulness are also discussed.