As these results are compatible and at times very similar to theories related to healing and health it would be appropriate to move on beyond basic research. A definition of healing could be operationalized and a “healing” scale could be developed. Once the tool was validated, comparisons could be made with concepts such as attitude scales, depression, hardiness, control, coping skills, and personality profiles. Other questions relating to specific themes are: Are health professionals’ views on healing similar to patients’ views?
Does a sense of control in fact enhance healing? Or might it inference with or even retard healing? Do people who accept being out of control, when there is no alternative, have a better healing experience? Is there an optimal time in the healing process when control could be taken back by the individual? How can privacy needs be recognized? Are they actually relevant? What constitutes a positive healing attitude? Can health professionals help individuals to develop an attitude that would enhance healing?
Does how one handles tiredness actually affect healing process? Do different personality styles have different healing needs? Or healing styles? Does increased information enhance healing? Can personal growth from healing be enhanced? Does discussion or personal growth through healing enhance the growth process? Is it possible that Achieving Balance could also be assisted by adopting a more holistic view? The consideration of multiple factors that may influence healing would be useful particularly if Achieving Balance is returning to a perceived state of wholeness.
Individuals could be taught to understand the integration of parts and the influence these parts have on the whole person, connected with and related to a complex world. The person healing and their significant others might need assistance in dealing with the transition between dependence and independence. Both could be frustrated by a lack of understanding and acceptance of each other’s needs. Nurses for instance, could be sensitized to these issues so that they could educate individuals involved with healing in hopes of preventing these frustrations from developing.
If they do develop, communication about these problems could be encouraged to resolve these differences. If there is an attitude conducive to healing, can individuals be trained or encouraged to develop this attitude? Assessment of depression, discouragement and negativity could be important. Cognitive restructuring may be useful tool in developing healing attitudes. That is, Beck (2006) and Ellis (1997), among others, have developed tools aimed at changing cognitions (attitudes and beliefs) to more constructive, or in this case healing enhancing cognitions.