RESUMEN
This article inquires into whether and how uncertainty reduction theory and problematic integration theory, two theories relevant to social support as enacted within a chapter of the Man-to-Man prostate cancer support group, inform us of how such groups can assist group members most effectively. Interview data from members of a prostate cancer support group shed light on theoretical assumptions about uncertainty. Although the group applies elements of both theories, prostate cancer survivors likely would benefit from a more comprehensive and flexible treatment of social support theory.
Asunto(s)
Comunicación , Educación en Salud , Estado de Salud , Relaciones Profesional-Paciente , Neoplasias de la Próstata/psicología , Teoría Psicológica , Apoyo Social , Anciano , Trastornos de Ansiedad/diagnóstico , Trastornos de Ansiedad/epidemiología , Trastornos de Ansiedad/etiología , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias de la Próstata/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Extending literature on health information to entertainment television, we analyze the prostate cancer narrative presented in the police drama, NYPD Blue. We explain how the physician-patient interaction depicted on the show followed (and sometimes did not follow) the medical dialogue model. Findings reveal that the producers of this show advocate a more dialogic model of medical interaction. Portrayals of incompetent, ineffective physicians are contrasted with the superior, effective efforts of other physicians. The audience learns that a non-dialogic approach characterizes "bad doctors," while the dialogic method typifies "good doctors." Likewise, medical professionals can use such texts to enhance physician-patient interaction.
Asunto(s)
Competencia Clínica , Comunicación , Relaciones Médico-Paciente , Neoplasias de la Próstata , Televisión , Drama , Humanos , Masculino , PoliciaRESUMEN
Prostate cancer affects men and their loved ones; consequently, survivors and their wives can gain from social support throughout the illness experience. After observing meetings of a support group for prostate cancer survivors and their partners, the authors used the constant comparison method to draw conclusions about the types of support generated in the men's and women's divisions of the group. The authors concluded that both divisions served as sites of information but not as scenes of practical assistance. The authors also found that the discursive practices of the groups and the structural elements of the group meetings inhibited emotional support through topic turning, comparisons between members, and the role of group facilitators. The authors consider the study's implications for support group leaders and scholars.