Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025

The Other End of the Leash: An Experimental Test to Analyze How Owners Interact with Their Pet Dogs
Published on: October 13, 2017
Person-Centredness and Paternalism: The Dance With Power
1School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
Objective:
The World Health Organization advocates for person-centredness (PC) as essential for quality care, yet its definitions and interpretations vary widely among professionals. Most qualitative research on PC focuses on physiotherapists in countries such as the UK, Australia, and the US, where PC is explicitly emphasised. In contrast, the term PC is absent in French educational standards, and its promotion is lacking in the French healthcare system. This study explores French physiotherapists' conceptualisation of PC.
Methods:
This phenomenographic study followed an interpretivist paradigm. Seven physiotherapists practicing in France were purposively selected. Data were collected through remote semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. The analysis followed the steps outlined by Larsson and Holmström (2007).
Findings:
Three categories were generated to illustrate the conceptualisation of PC by participants: Creating a relationship, Adapting the rehabilitation, and Giving the choice. Despite recognising the importance of these aspects, they also highlighted challenges related to paternalism and power dynamics, which often limited trusting relationships, effective adaptations and true shared decision-making.
Conclusion:
While these physiotherapists expressed a commitment to person-centred practices, they encountered challenges in relinquishing power, highlighting the ongoing journey towards becoming person centred.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Humanistic Psychology
This approach...
Horney's Sociocultural Approach
Psychodynamic Perspectives on Personality
Psychodynamic theorists argue that unconscious...
Stereotype Content Model
Patient-centered Care

