Keeping Hope Alive: Implications for Neuro-Rehabilitation

This study aimed to analyze difficulties laced by a young therapist in the process of educating patients and their families with a severe neurological disorder. The sample consisted of 26 patients in the age range of 18–60 years. They were referred to the Clinical Psychologist to help them cope with the long term impact of the disorder. Initial evaluation revealed that unrealistic hope about recovery posed as a barrier to. compliance with treatment. Content analysis of the therapy sessions indicate that the main reasons for unrealistic hope were false reassurances given by professionals or significant others and information about the full recovery of some patients. In addition. absolute faith in God, belief in miracles and the supremacy of Divine power over medical science were some of the other factors contributing to keep this hope alive. A few maladaptive coping behaviours were also observed among the people with unrealistic hope. High hope has both positive and negative implications in the long term treatment and recovery of persons with severe neurological disorders. Clinical implications and directions for future research are outlined.