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Threat to valued elements of life: the experience of dementia across three ethnic groups
- Authors:
- LAWRENCE Vanessa, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 51(1), February 2011, pp.39-50.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The authors point to a lack of knowledge regarding the experiences of black and minority ethnic, older people with dementia in the UK. This qualitative research involved in depth interviews with 11 black Caribbean, 9 South Asian and 10 White British participants from four south London boroughs. They were questioned about the following: a vignette of Mr. G., who has moderate dementia; their own conditions; and about dementia, memory problems and Alzheimers disease. The main theme to emerge was that their conditions and support needs interfered with “valued elements of life”. Analysis revealed that each element of their evaluation processes was culturally informed. The authors quote many of the participants’ own words under headings of: understanding the condition; attitudes surrounding support needs and individual’s valued roles; relationships; and activities. The implications for policy and practice are discussed in terms of promoting and reducing threats to valued elements of life. The authors claim that through cognitive appraisal there is potential for professional and family carers to modify beliefs about dementia and promote the roles, relationships and activities that each individual with dementia values. By definition, this will result in taking note of the cultural identity of individuals and help in developing a multicultural approach.
Concepts and causation of depression: a cross-cultural study of the beliefs of older adults
- Authors:
- LAWRENCE Vanessa, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 46(1), February 2006, pp.23-32.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This U.K. study explored how older adults with depression (treated and untreated) and the general older population conceptualize depression. A multicultural approach was used that incorporated the perspectives of Black Caribbean, South Asian, and White British older adults. The study sought to explore and compare beliefs about the nature and causes of depression, and to suggest ways in which these beliefs act to facilitate or deter older people from accessing treatment. One hundred and ten in-depth separate interviews were conducted for 45 White British, 33 South Asian, and 32 Black Caribbean individuals. The interviews explored what the word depression meant to participants, and their beliefs regarding depression's causes. Depression was often viewed as an illness arising from adverse personal and social circumstances that accrue in old age. White British and Black Caribbean participants defined depression in terms of low mood and hopelessness; South Asian and Black Caribbean participants frequently defined depression in terms of worry. Those receiving antidepressants were more likely to acknowledge psychological symptoms of depression. Differences in attribution were found between the ethnic groups. A social model of depression is closer to the beliefs of older people than the traditional medical model. Culturally appropriate inquiries about recent life events could be used to facilitate discussion about depression. Our data suggest that many older adults would respond to probing by primary care physicians about their mood. Health and social care professionals need to be sensitive to the language of depression used by different ethnic groups.