Display Full Text | Download Full Text
0.62 MB PDF file

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Social Work, 2005.

Abstract

This descriptive and exploratory study, guided by a developmental framework, examined how the lived experiences of older African Americans, over the life course, informed their attitudes and beliefs concerning end-of-life planning. A focus group was used to pilot the study. Tape-recorded semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with seven respondents using an open-ended questionnaire. Content analysis was accomplished utilizing grounded theory as an analytic framework. Following this analysis, six core categories emerged: (1) the experience of growing older; (2) coming to know death; (3) making sense of death and loss; (4) cognitive dissonance; (5) measured trust; and (6) race as a constant companion. The findings revealed that respondents had a positive attitude concerning the utility of advance directives, but a reluctance and ambivalence concerning executing them. Family centered decision-making and input were valued in end-of-life care and planning. These older individuals tended to look to their adult children to serve in the role of surrogate decision makers in the event of future decisional incapacity. There was a rejection of heroic medical care or technology in the face of futility. The respondents saw no nobility in pain and suffering and fervently desired effective comfort care in the event of terminal illness. Independence and productivity were most valued. Spirituality was at the core of how these older persons made meaning of death and how they found meaning and purpose in life.

Subject Headings

Social Work

Keywords

End-of-life

Advisor

Virginia Richardson

Pages

x, 229, p.:ill

Document number: osu1101747852
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1101747852

This ETD has been downloaded 950 times (through March 2013)