Investigating Social Work Students' Perceptions of Elders' Vulnerability and Resilience

Kane, Michael N.; Lacey, Debra; Green, Diane

doi:10.1080/15332980802052035

Cited by 12 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…It has also been suggested that among health professionals, occupational therapists and their students hold more positive attitudes toward older adults compared with their colleagues and are not as influenced by societal negative attitudes with regard to clinical decision making (e.g., Giles, Paterson, Butler, & Stewart, 2002;Horowitz, Savino, & Krauss, 1999;Weir, 2004). However, recent publications suggest that ageism continues to exist (e.g., Furlan & Fehlings, 2009;Kane, Lacey, & Green, 2009;Phelan, 2008). Indeed, despite awareness of the need for increased capacity in geriatric medicine, medical students' negative stereotypic attitudes toward older people did not improve between 1986 and 1994 (Wilkinson & Ferraro, 2002).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Ageism in Current Practice: Experiences of Occupational Therapists

Klein

Liu

2010

Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics

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This study examined the perceptions of gerontological occupational therapists and their experiences with ageism in their practice. Sixteen gerontological occupational therapists participated in this interpretive inquiry study. Semistructured interviews along with written responses to focused questions were used to obtain the data. Constant comparative analysis of transcripts and written responses generated themes. Two contextual influences impacting the work experience were noteworthy: (a) person-level (i.e., societal, colleagues, clinicians themselves) attitudes and values and (b) organizational constraints. Findings indicated participants perceived a presence of covert discrimination toward seniors, health professionals who work with seniors, and the organizations that provide service to this population. Participants recognized ageism within their own behaviors. The presence of ageism and its impact were examined in three areas: attitudes within our profession, occupational therapy discourses, and finally resource allocation within health care. The findings from this study may help practitioners examine ageism in their practice.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Ageism in Current Practice: Experiences of Occupational Therapists

Klein

Liu

2010

Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics

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“…Similarly, social work students perceived older adults as a vulnerable and marginalized group. Older adults were also perceived as only moderately resilient in overcoming mental disorders (Kane et al 2009). In another study, undergraduate social work students also expressed ageist perceptions (Kane 2007).…”

Section: Ageism Among Social Workersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ageism among physicians, nurses, and social workers: findings from a qualitative study

et al. 2016

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This study investigated ageism among healthcare professionals in various therapeutic settings in Israel. Using a qualitative approach, the current study aimed to examine similarities and differences across healthcare disciplines. Three focus groups were conducted with physicians, nurses, and social workers. Data from each focus group were analyzed separately, and then commonalities and differences across the groups were evaluated. Three main themes relating to older adults emerged from the data. The first theme pertains to perceived difficulties that healthcare professionals experience in working with older adults and their family members; the second focuses on invisibility and discriminatory communication patterns; and the third theme relates to provision of inappropriate care to older adults. Similarities and differences across the three disciplines were found. The differences related mainly to the examples provided for manifestations of ageism in the healthcare system. Provision of inadequate treatment to older adults due to their age appeared to be the most complex theme, and is discussed at length in the Discussion. Briefly, the complexity stems from the fact that although some behaviors can be clearly described as inappropriate and undesirable, other behaviors such as avoidance of invasive medical procedures for older patients raise ethical dilemmas. Potentially, avoidance of invasive medical treatment can be perceived as compassionate care rather than as undertreatment due to ageist perceptions. A related dilemma, i.e., longevity versus quality-of-life, is also discussed in light of the finding that the balance of these two aspects changes as patients grow old.

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“…Research suggests that students in professional programs preferred to work with children and families, survivors of domestic violence, persons with HIV/AIDS, the mentally ill, the physically challenged and most other vulnerable populations than to work with older persons (Kane, 1999). They share the conviction that older people benefit less from intervention than do younger people (Kane, 2004;2006b, 20072008;Kane et al, 2009).…”

Section: Classic Ageismmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…Attitudes toward older persons appear grounded in the assumption that aging is about declining physical health, disability, dependence, and lessened resilience (Angus & Reeve, 2006;Kane, 2008;Kane et al, 2009). Mental health and pastoral care professionals may view older persons as incapable of change and unsuitable for psychotherapy (Ivey, Wieling, & Harris, 2000;James & Hayley, 1995;Reekie & Hanson, 1992).…”

Section: Classic Ageismmentioning

confidence: 96%

Pastoral Care Professionals in Health and Mental Health Care: Recognizing Classic and Newer Versions of Ageism

Kane

Green

Jacobs

2011

J Pastoral Care Counsel

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Pastoral care professionals are cognizant of many forms of prejudice and discrimination in society and health care environments. Ageism is perhaps the least likely to be challenged as prejudice or discrimination. Ageist perception is suspicious of the health and cognitive ability of older persons; without consideration of emotional, spiritual, or social abilities. While positive and negative ageist attributions are culturally abundant, new and subtle versions of ageism offer convincing guidance about personal responsibility for health status and insist on personal social engagement. Older persons who are not free of disease or disability may be viewed as culpable for their failure to age well. Additionally, elders may be expected to maintain social involvement; especially through volunteerism. Elders who are unable or unwilling to engage in volunteerism may be viewed as selfish or irresponsible. If individuals are held responsible for their health as they age, then services and reimbursement for service may be limited to evidence-based medical interventions that result in complete recovery rather than life-quality improvement and only for "worthy" individuals. This paper seeks to heighten the awareness of pastoral care professionals to common ageist themes found in health and mental care service delivery.

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Investigating Social Work Students' Perceptions of Elders' Vulnerability and Resilience

Cited by 12 publications

References 25 publications

Ageism in Current Practice: Experiences of Occupational Therapists

Ageism in Current Practice: Experiences of Occupational Therapists

Ageism among physicians, nurses, and social workers: findings from a qualitative study

Pastoral Care Professionals in Health and Mental Health Care: Recognizing Classic and Newer Versions of Ageism

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