Other Titles
From Setbacks to Strength: Developing the Emerging Concept of Awakening Power [Title Slide]
Abstract
Reclaiming power represents a transformative journey where individuals restore autonomy, resilience, and intentional participation in life. This concept emphasizes a shift from disconnection and diminished engagement to active involvement in personal growth and change. It redefines setbacks as opportunities for self-discovery, fostering openness to life’s unpredictability and challenges.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) affects 14.5% of individuals aged 12 and older in the United States, equating to 48.7 million people (SAMHSA, 2023). This chronic condition, characterized by compulsive substance use, often leads to cycles of recovery and relapse. Overdose deaths rose by 50.9% between 2019 and 2022 (CDC, 2023), with relapse rates ranging from 40% to 60% and up to 90% for single post-treatment use (Kabisa et al., 2021). These statistics underscore the need for innovative strategies to support resilience and recovery.
The concept of reclaiming power provides a framework for reconnecting with inner strength and navigating recovery more effectively. Grounded in Barrett’s Theory of Power as Knowing Participation in Change (2020), it reframes challenges as essential components of transformation. By fostering resilience and adaptability, reclaiming power promotes personal growth, purposeful decision-making, and self-discovery.
This work aimed to define and develop the concept of reclaiming power by identifying its key attributes and potential applications. The framework equips individuals to reassess strategies, harness inner strength, and move forward with intention. Setbacks are reframed as opportunities for reflection, enabling growth and recalibration.
Developed using Liehr and Smith’s (2024) concept-building process, the framework integrates findings from literature reviews, theoretical analysis, and narrative accounts. Core attributes include turning points, seeking support, conscious decision-making, renewed purpose, and reframing setbacks. These elements form a cyclical and empowering model illustrating the iterative nature of recovery.
Reclaiming power offers significant implications for nursing practice by fostering empowerment and resilience in individuals recovering from SUD. Its principles extend to broader challenges, including trauma and chronic illness. By promoting holistic, person-centered care, this framework supports growth, resilience, and intentional participation in life.
Notes
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Phi Pi
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Theory, Stress and Coping, Autonomy, Regaining Autonomy, Resilience, Self-Discovery
Recommended Citation
Cesaire, Nadine, "Turning Setbacks into Strength: Developing the Emerging Concept of Reclaiming Power" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 198.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/198
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-08
Turning Setbacks into Strength: Developing the Emerging Concept of Reclaiming Power
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Reclaiming power represents a transformative journey where individuals restore autonomy, resilience, and intentional participation in life. This concept emphasizes a shift from disconnection and diminished engagement to active involvement in personal growth and change. It redefines setbacks as opportunities for self-discovery, fostering openness to life’s unpredictability and challenges.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) affects 14.5% of individuals aged 12 and older in the United States, equating to 48.7 million people (SAMHSA, 2023). This chronic condition, characterized by compulsive substance use, often leads to cycles of recovery and relapse. Overdose deaths rose by 50.9% between 2019 and 2022 (CDC, 2023), with relapse rates ranging from 40% to 60% and up to 90% for single post-treatment use (Kabisa et al., 2021). These statistics underscore the need for innovative strategies to support resilience and recovery.
The concept of reclaiming power provides a framework for reconnecting with inner strength and navigating recovery more effectively. Grounded in Barrett’s Theory of Power as Knowing Participation in Change (2020), it reframes challenges as essential components of transformation. By fostering resilience and adaptability, reclaiming power promotes personal growth, purposeful decision-making, and self-discovery.
This work aimed to define and develop the concept of reclaiming power by identifying its key attributes and potential applications. The framework equips individuals to reassess strategies, harness inner strength, and move forward with intention. Setbacks are reframed as opportunities for reflection, enabling growth and recalibration.
Developed using Liehr and Smith’s (2024) concept-building process, the framework integrates findings from literature reviews, theoretical analysis, and narrative accounts. Core attributes include turning points, seeking support, conscious decision-making, renewed purpose, and reframing setbacks. These elements form a cyclical and empowering model illustrating the iterative nature of recovery.
Reclaiming power offers significant implications for nursing practice by fostering empowerment and resilience in individuals recovering from SUD. Its principles extend to broader challenges, including trauma and chronic illness. By promoting holistic, person-centered care, this framework supports growth, resilience, and intentional participation in life.
Description
Reclaiming power is a transformative framework helping individuals restore autonomy, resilience, and intentional participation in life. Rooted in Barrett’s Theory of Power as Knowing Participation in Change (2020), it reframes setbacks as growth opportunities. Addressing Substance Use Disorder (SUD), affecting 14.5% of U.S. individuals aged 12 and older, this framework fosters reflection, resilience, and person-centered care for recovery and challenges like trauma and chronic illness.