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Conversational behavior in two health care institutions for the elderly
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1985
Summary
This study examines conversational dynamics in nursing homes, revealing how communication shapes social realities and staff-patient relationships. Understanding these interactions is crucial for improving care in geriatric settings.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Communication Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Conversation is theoretically significant for understanding the aged.
- Previous research has not fully explored communication dynamics in geriatric institutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a framework for studying conversational behavior in geriatric institutions.
- To analyze the role of conversation in constructing social reality and status within nursing facilities.
Main Methods:
- Ethnographic studies were conducted in two nursing facilities.
- Data were collected over a fifteen-month period.
Main Results:
- Conversations are a primary means by which individuals construct their social reality and relative social statuses.
- Conversational behavior significantly impacts staff-patient relationships in nursing homes.
Conclusions:
- Symbolic interactionism provides a valuable lens for analyzing communication in geriatric care.
- Further research into communicational behavior is essential for enhancing the quality of care and relationships in nursing homes.