Communication Studies, Department of
Date of this Version
2016
Citation
Published in Journal of Aging and Health (2016), 19pp. DOI 10.1177/0898264316628488
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the decision-making (DM) styles of younger (18-39 years), middle-aged (40-59 years), and older (≥60 years) cancer survivors, the type and role of social support, and patient satisfaction with cancer treatment DM.
Method: Adult cancer survivors (N = 604) were surveyed using Qualtrics online software.
Results: Older adults reported significantly lower influence of support on DM than younger adults. The most common DM style for the age groups was collaborative DM with their doctors. Younger age was a significant predictor of independent (p < .05), collaborative with family (p < .001), delegated to doctor (p < .01), delegated to family (p < .001), and demanding (p < .001) DM styles.
Discussion: Despite having lower received social support in cancer treatment DM, older adults were more satisfied with their DM than younger and middleaged adults. Health care workers should be aware of different DM styles and influence of social networks to help facilitate optimal patient DM and satisfaction.
Included in
Bioethics and Medical Ethics Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Other Communication Commons
Comments
Copyright © 2016 Jessica L. Krok-Schoen, Angela L. Palmer-Wackerly, Phokeng M. Dailey, Julianne C. Wojno, and Janice L. Krieger. Published by SAGE Publications. Used by permission.