Self-Determination and Older People - a Concept Analysis

• When older and dependent on others, it is common to perceive to have neither the knowledge nor the opportunity to influence the decision-making process in one’s daily life, which could lead to dissatisfaction and disempowerment. In research, precise definitions are particularly important to ensure measuring what is intended. Therefore, the aim of this concept analysis was to define and clarify the concept of self-determination. Walker & Avant’s analysis procedure, a broad systematic search, and a content analysis of articles were made. The results show that self-determination includes the following attributes which distinguish it from related concepts: have ability, have enough knowledge, act/decide upon one’s own free will without external influence, have control/master the whole process, and have legal/ethical rights. The analysis also shows that decisional-autonomy often is equated as self-determination, which is seen as the decisional part of autonomy. Keywords: older people, self-determination, autonomy, concept analysis, research. What is known about this topic: Self-determination is a complex and abstract concept, which is often used as a synonym to autonomy. What this paper adds: A distinction between self-determination and autonomy and categories that describe how the term is used in a context of older people: self-determination in everyday life, among professionals, self-determination and health, and contradiction of rights.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Övrig annan samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsterapi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Therapy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

older people

self-determination

autonomy

concept analysis

research

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vet (ämneskategori)

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