The Mediating Role of Hope in the Relationship Between Illness Uncertainty and Discharge Readiness Among Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of illness uncertainty on discharge readiness and explore whether hope mediates this relationship in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 218 patients with MDD at a hospital in China. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, including demographic and clinical information, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, Herth Hope Index, and Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and path analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results: Illness uncertainty was negatively associated with hope (r = -0.14, p < 0.05) and discharge readiness (r = -0.207, p < 0.01). Conversely, hope was positively associated with discharge readiness (r = 0.445, p < 0.01). Hope partially mediated the relationship between illness uncertainty and discharge readiness, accounting for 28.5% of the total effect.

Conclusion: Illness uncertainty directly impacted discharge readiness in patients with MDD and exerted an indirect effect through the mediating role of hope. Findings highlight the importance of psychosocial interventions aimed at enhancing hope and reducing illness uncertainty to improve discharge readiness and support post-hospital recovery. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].