Authors: Swartz, Richard D.; Perry, Erica; Brown, Stephanie; Swartz, June; Vinokur, Amiram

Source: Health and Social Work, Volume 33, Number 2, May 2008 , pp. 87-92(6)

Publisher: National Association of Social Workers

Abstract:

Chronic dialysis imposes ongoing stress on patients and staff and engenders recurring contact and long-term relationships. Thus, chronic dialysis units are opportune settings in which to investigate the impact of patients' relationships with staff on patient well-being. The authors designed the present study to examine the degree to which perceptions of open communication between patients and staff affect patient mental health. A one-year, two-wave longitudinal survey assessed patient (N = 109) perceptions of the interpersonal environment and mental health. Assessments included sharing personal information (open disclosure), assisting one another (helping), staff respect for patients (respect), and hierarchical patient-staff relations (formal staff authority). Cross-sectional and longitudinal regression analyses examined how these characteristics of the interpersonal environment relate to depression and subjective well-being among patients. Multivariate analysis showed that open disclosure correlated independently with lower levels of depression at baseline (N = 109) and a predicted significant decrease in depression over time (N = 64). Other interpersonal characteristics did not correlate with depression or subjective well-being at baseline or longitudinally. The interpersonal climate in chronic dialysis units influences patient well-being. Contrary to traditional views, open disclosure in patients' relationships with staff is not detrimental and contributes to well-being.

Articles that cite this article?

Keywords: CHRONIC DIALYSIS; DEPRESSION; INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS; MENTAL HEALTH; PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-05-01

More about this publication?

• For 20 years, human services professionals have relied on Health & Social Work for the latest advances in areas such as aging, clinical work, long-term care, oncology, substance abuse, depression, and maternal health. Articles also cover research, policy, specialized services, quality assurance, in-service training, and other topics that affect the delivery of health care services.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• NASW Member/Subscriber access
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Therapeutics & Alternative Medicine ,  Social & Public Welfare
• By this author: Swartz, Richard D. ;  Perry, Erica ;  Brown, Stephanie ;  Swartz, June ;  Vinokur, Amiram

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers