LONG-TERM CARE NURSES' PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE, COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION, AND PATIENT ATTRACTION.
Contributors: Ohio University.
Published: 1989
Number of pages: 169
Subjects: Speech Communication.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The study's purpose is to examine specific communication variables within the nurse-patient dyad. The relationship between communication apprehension, communication competence, and demographic variables for nurses is one focus of the study. Patient attractiveness ratings by nurses is the second focus.

Nurses working in long-term care facilities were given self-report instruments in order to collect data regarding communication apprehension, communication competence, and levels of education, experience, and communication skills training. The nurses also viewed patients on videotape with varying levels of communication ability and were required to rate them on an attraction scale.

Within the nurse-patient context, a negative relationship exists between communication apprehension and communication competence. Communication apprehension is related to the level of communication skills training, while communication competence is not related to the demographic variables. Patients presenting communication disorders, aphasia or dysarthria, are less attractive to nurses than a normal speaking patient.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 50-05, Section: A, page: 1139.

Thesis (PH.D.)--OHIO UNIVERSITY, 1989.

School code: 0167.