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A Descriptive Study Of University Students' Beliefs Regarding Autonomy And Paternalism In Caregiving Of The Elderly, Linda Ann Cain

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An elderly person with declining physical and mental abilities associated with aging or disease, often needs assistance from others for functional activities. The beliefs in autonomy and paternalism of those who render assistance to the elderly may influence their behavior toward the elderly. The purpose of this study was to identify university students' beliefs regarding autonomy and paternalism in caregiving of the elderly and to determine if there were any differences in beliefs between educational levels. Seventy-two undergraduate and graduate occupational therapy students (mean age 28.3) volunteered to participate in this study. The measurement instruments included: the Respect for Autonomy …