Nonverbal communication of caregivers in Slovenian nursing homes

Abstract This study aimed at determining the characteristics of nonverbal communication (NVC) of caregivers in Slovene nursing homes. The cross-sectional study was performed on 267 randomly selected caregivers from 27 randomly selected nursing homes. Facial expressions/head movements, hand gestures/...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of gerontology and geriatrics 2012-01, Vol.54 (1), p.94-101
Main Authors: Zaletel, Marija, Kovacev, Asja Nina, Mikus, Ruza Pandel, Kragelj, Lijana Zaletel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Caregivers
Caregivers - psychology
Carers
Continuing education
Cross-Sectional Studies
Facial Expression
Female
Gestures
Homes for the Aged
Humans
Internal Medicine
Interpersonal Relations
Kinesics
Male
Negative attitudes
Nonverbal Communication
Nursing Homes
Positive thought
Slovenia
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Summary:Abstract This study aimed at determining the characteristics of nonverbal communication (NVC) of caregivers in Slovene nursing homes. The cross-sectional study was performed on 267 randomly selected caregivers from 27 randomly selected nursing homes. Facial expressions/head movements, hand gestures/trunk movements, and modes of speaking/paralinguistic signals were observed. The caregivers manifested altogether 11,324 NVC expressions. Those definitely reflecting positive attitude prevailed and accounted for 59.3% of all expressions, whereas those definitely reflecting negative attitude were very rare and accounted for 9.1% of all expressions, at a ratio of 6.5:1 ( p < 0.001). Differences were statistically highly significant between genders (men manifested negative attitude expressions significantly more frequently, 11.8%) and professions (social helpers manifested positive attitude expressions significantly less frequently, 56.4%; other professionals manifested negative attitude expressions significantly less frequently, 5.4%) ( p < 0.001). The results were similar within groups of NVC expressions. Although our study showed that caregivers in Slovene nursing homes use positive attitude expressions much more frequently than negative there is a reason for concern due to a general decline in positive values and beliefs in Slovene society. Promoting positive attitude NVC among new generations of caregivers in nursing homes need to become one of the most important contents of their life-long learning and training.
ISSN:0167-4943
1872-6976
DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2010.12.020