Threat: Concept Analysis

Abstract

Stress and threat are concepts used interchangeably in research; however, the conceptual definitions of each are clearly different. This concept analysis clarifies the meaning of threat. It outlines potential and negative affective emotions, antecedents, and consequences of threat. Clarity of the conceptual definition may increase validity of research findings related to theat.

The Influence of Self-concept on Adherence to Recommended Health Regimens in Adults With Heart Failure

“…12 The person attempts to alleviate the anxiety by using emotionally centered responses such as redefining the situation, intellectualizing it, denial, avoidance, or devaluing the stressful properties of the situation, which preserves self-esteem. 12,17,18 Although protection of self-concept is accomplished, nonadherence to diet, exercise, and medication regimens occurs, which leads to worsening physical adaptation. Although emotional-centered responses do not assist the individual toward action to change the situation in a beneficial manner, they can be a means to maintain hope, optimism, or self-esteem, which can be beneficial in some instances.…”

Threat: Concept Analysis for a New Era

“…The purpose of this concept analysis is to capture the critical elements of the concept threat and to further clarify the meaning within American culture. This analysis adds to the original work of Scholtz (2000). Scholtz clarified the meaning of threat as a concept clearly different from the concepts of challenge, stress, and harm/loss.…”

“…Through the process of defining and identifying the uses of threat in the literature review, many of the characteristics of the concept defined by Scholtz (2000) as vital components of threat were identified (Table 1). Through the process of reviewing the literature in this analysis, a broad view perspective identified additional components of threat (Table 2).…”

“…The list of characteristics presented here, called defining or critical attributes, are characteristics that were found in addition to those found by Scholtz (2000); they include "negative intention" and "regarded as a danger. "…”

“…The events of the early 21st century have left Americans keenly aware of the concept of threat. Threat has been poorly defined and has often been used interchangeably with such concepts and emotions as stress, harm/loss, anxiety, challenge, and distress (Scholtz, 2000). For the purposes of identifying threat as an independent concept, this analysis looks at threat as a stress-related phenomenon.…”