Analyzing the "Toubyou-iyoku" concept to determine coping with illness among hospitalized children in Japan

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the concept of "Toubyou-iyoku"-a volition of the fight against illness-among hospitalized children. In Japan, patients undergoing treatment are sometimes described as having "Toubyou-iyoku" based on their positive attitudes toward their illness and treatment. When hospitalized, if affected children have a positive attitude toward fighting a disease, this can lead to positive changes after discharge. However, the conditions under which they can be motivated to fight diseases are unclear. To address this issue, Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used to analyze "Toubyou-iyoku." The analysis yielded seven attributes: confronting the disease head-on, recognizing the disease, eagerly receiving treatment, focusing on treatment, endeavoring to overcome the disease, trying to remain calm and maintain composure, and keeping hope alive. These are seven antecedent requirements and eight consequences that do not move in one direction but rather circulate. Hence, supporting not only the antecedents (factors that influence the volition of the fight against illness) but also their individual attributes and consequences is necessary. Hospitalized children's volition of the fight against illness was defined as their desire and hope to face illness and treatment, accept it with wavering feelings, and actively work to maintain treatment based on their innate ability to understand and cope with their illness and experiences associated with hospitalization.