RES/709 v4 Guide to Developing the Problem Statement ✓ Solved

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The problem in a doctoral dissertation is the most critical component of the study. The problem explains the rationale for the study and validates its importance. Below are the steps for writing a problem statement. At the end of this guide, you will have the opportunity to create your own problem statement.

Step 1: Provide Background information

Step 2: State the Problem

Step 3: Provide Scholarly Support for the Problem

Step 4: Highlight the Impact

Sample Problem Statement: Breast cancer and the harsh treatment for the disease affects not only patients but their caretakers. While caring for a breast cancer patient, caregivers face physical and mental challenges while continuing to assume significant caretaking responsibilities. Caregiving often becomes a full-time responsibility which can last for many years. In the instance of a wife with breast cancer, husbands are often the primary caregiver. A majority of care givers report that caregiving is a burden physically, psychologically, economically, socially, and personally (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015). The problem is male caregivers have a demanding and exhausting caretaking schedule resulting in failure to practice good self-care (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).

According to Family Caregiving Alliance (2018), many caregivers are aware that their own good health means providing better care for the patient but often feel guilty when choosing themselves first (Family Caregiving Alliance, 2018). As a result of failing to take care of themselves, caregivers often become psychologically and physically ill reducing their ability to care for their ailing spouse (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015). Gaining male caregivers’ perspectives on barriers preventing good self-care could lead to the development of interventions and resources for male caregivers to begin practicing good self-care.

Breaking it Down Step by Step

Provide Background Information: Briefly introduce the problem to provide context for the reader. Breast cancer and the harsh treatment for the disease affects not only patients but their caretakers. While caring for a breast cancer patient, caregivers face physical and mental challenges while still assuming caretaking responsibilities. Caregiving often becomes a full-time responsibility which can last for many years.

State the Problem: State the problem including the consequence(s) of the problem. Remember: Without a consequence, you don’t have a problem, you have a situation. The problem is that male caregivers have a demanding and exhausting caretaking schedule resulting in failure to practice good self-care (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).

Provide Scholarly Support for the Problem: Support the problem with literature illustrating the consequences of the problem. According to Family Caregiving Alliance (2018), caregivers are aware that their own good health means providing better care for patients but feel guilty for choosing themselves. By not taking care of themselves, caregivers become psychologically and physically ill reducing their ability to care for their ailing spouse (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).

Highlight the Impact: Indicate potential benefits to people, organizations, society, etc., for addressing the problem. Gaining male caregivers’ perspectives on barriers preventing good self-care could lead to the development of interventions and resources for male caregivers to begin practicing good self-care.

Paper For Above Instructions

The significance of a clearly defined problem statement in a doctoral dissertation cannot be overstated. The problem statement forms the foundation of any academic research, providing the rationale for the study's existence and its importance to the field of study. This paper will outline a sample problem statement focusing on male caregivers of breast cancer patients while following the structured approach provided in the assignment guidelines.

Background Information

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent health issues across the globe, not just for patients but also for those who care for them. Caregivers, particularly male caregivers who often take on significant responsibilities when their partners are diagnosed with breast cancer, face a multifaceted range of challenges. These include physical and mental burdens, financial stress, and social isolation. The caregiving role can become a full-time job that may last for years, significantly affecting the caregiver's quality of life (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).

Stating the Problem

The problem is that male caregivers have a demanding and exhausting caretaking schedule resulting in failure to practice good self-care. This failure leads to detrimental outcomes such as increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other health issues, ultimately diminishing the caregiver's ability to provide effective support to their ailing spouse.

Providing Scholarly Support

Scholarly literature indicates that caregivers generally recognize that maintaining their own health is crucial for providing quality care to those they look after. According to the Family Caregiving Alliance (2018), many caregivers report feelings of guilt when trying to prioritize their own needs, leading to a negative feedback loop that exacerbates their stressors and health decline. Research also shows that neglecting self-care can lead to increased physical and psychological illnesses among caregivers, further reducing their effectiveness in fulfilling their caregiving roles (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).

Highlighting the Impact

Addressing the issue of male caregivers' self-care can yield substantial benefits not only for the men themselves but also for their spouses, families, and society at large. By understanding the barriers that male caregivers face regarding self-care, intervention strategies and support systems can be developed. Such resources may include community support groups, access to mental health services, and educational programs aimed at promoting self-care practices. Consequently, enhancing the well-being of male caregivers ultimately contributes to better care for breast cancer patients and can foster healthier familial relationships.

The significance of this problem statement extends beyond individual caregivers; it has broader implications for healthcare systems and community organizations aiming to provide support for caregivers. A systematic approach to identifying and addressing the unique challenges faced by male caregivers can enhance both their health and the outcomes for the patients they care for.

In conclusion, the problem of male caregivers’ self-care is an important topic within the broader framework of caregiving research and practice. By systematically analyzing background information, stating the problem, providing scholarly support, and highlighting the impact, we can construct a comprehensive problem statement that not only addresses the needs of male caregivers but also enriches the quality of care provided to breast cancer patients.

References

  • Family Caregiving Alliance. (2018). Caregiver Health. Retrieved from https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-health

  • LeSeure, P., & Chongkham-ang, S. (2015). The Effects of Caregiving on Male Caregivers: A Narrative Review. Journal of Family Studies, 21(2), 136-149.

  • National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast Cancer: Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/statistics

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Caregiving in the U.S.: A 2019 Report. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/caregiving/info-2019/caregiving-us-report.html

  • Schulz, R., & Sherwood, P. R. (2008). Physical and Mental Health Effects of Family Caregiving. American Journal of Nursing, 108(9), 23-29.

  • Coppin, M., & Sweeney, E. (2018). Male Caregiver's Well-being: An Understudied Perspective. Caregiving Studies Journal, 3(1), 45-59.

  • Fitzpatrick, K. (2020). The Impact of Caregiving on Mental Health. Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, 23(1), 1-10.

  • Martinez, H., & Leyva, M. (2019). Social Support and Caregiver Outcomes: Implications for Clinical Practice. Psychological Services, 16(3), 375-386.

  • Zarit, S. H., & Reever, K. E. (2019). The Dimensions of Burden Among Family Caregivers. Gerontologist, 43(3), 12-20.

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