Mishel's Uncertainty Theory
Furthermore, to analyze the patient’s perspective during this scenario, the theoretical framework of Mishel’s (1988) Uncertainty Theory can be applied. Specifically, Abad et al (2010) states how psychological distress during isolation is most commonly linked to uncertainty and loss of control. The theoretical framework of Uncertainty can be defined as the inability to predict outcomes in terms of an illness related event. This is evident during the scenario when the patient is experiencing clear distress due feeling ambiguous about when she will be able to see her daughter. It appears as if she was provided with a lack of significant information about isolation precautions, ultimately contributing to being unable to comprehend the outcome
of this minor infection (Mishel, 1988). Additionally, according to this framework, the patient was in psychological distress as a result of an inadequate cognitive appraisal of the situation and illness (Mishel, 1988). She viewed the illness as a life threatening disease due to the restriction from being around other individuals. It appears as the patient received a lack of proper education regarding the infection. As a result, she viewed her health condition as hazardous, feeling as if she was going to die. Lastly, the term event congruence refers to a lack of consistency between the expectations and actual experience during an illness. This was witnessed by the patient as she originally came into the hospital hoping for answers for her severe headache. Instead, the patient was forced into an isolated area, without a clear illustration of her condition or an expected time line of when she would be able to return home. Mishel (1988) mentions that uncertainty stemming from a lack of congruence is noted when an individual’s hopes for a cure are interrupted by an unforeseen illness. Ultimately, through analyzing Mishel Uncertainty Theory it is understood that this patient was provided with an insufficient education, an inappropriate cognitive appraisal of the situation, and lack of congruence with her health expectations, thus contributing to feeling uncertain of her illness and future.
of this minor infection (Mishel, 1988). Additionally, according to this framework, the patient was in psychological distress as a result of an inadequate cognitive appraisal of the situation and illness (Mishel, 1988). She viewed the illness as a life threatening disease due to the restriction from being around other individuals. It appears as the patient received a lack of proper education regarding the infection. As a result, she viewed her health condition as hazardous, feeling as if she was going to die. Lastly, the term event congruence refers to a lack of consistency between the expectations and actual experience during an illness. This was witnessed by the patient as she originally came into the hospital hoping for answers for her severe headache. Instead, the patient was forced into an isolated area, without a clear illustration of her condition or an expected time line of when she would be able to return home. Mishel (1988) mentions that uncertainty stemming from a lack of congruence is noted when an individual’s hopes for a cure are interrupted by an unforeseen illness. Ultimately, through analyzing Mishel Uncertainty Theory it is understood that this patient was provided with an insufficient education, an inappropriate cognitive appraisal of the situation, and lack of congruence with her health expectations, thus contributing to feeling uncertain of her illness and future.