Lying in dementia care: an example of a culture that deceives in people's best interests.
OBJECTIVE
Deceiving, bending the truth and being dishonest are all terms used for the act of lying. The use of deception in health settings has a rich cross-cultural history. In relation to dementia care, first, Deceptive practices in managing a family member with Alzheimer's disease. Symbolic Interaction, 17(1), 21-36) distinguished between four kinds of lies used by staff: 'going along with a misperception', 'with-holding the truth', 'little white lies' and 'use of tricks'. This article examined the issue of deception, developing a questionnaire to investigate attitudes towards lying to people with dementia. Secondly, information on the use of lies was presented within a workshop to determine whether it would lead to attitude change.


METHODS
This study used a two-phased design. The first phase involved developing a 16-item questionnaire. The second phase validated the use of the questionnaire through a workshop; therapists' responses to a teaching programme were assessed.


RESULTS
The psychometric properties of the questionnaire are reported. Following the workshop, participants were found to have a more positive attitude towards the use of lies. The reasons underpinning changes in attitude are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
This study contributes to a more informed understanding regarding both the definition and use of lies. On the whole, participants developed a less generic perspective about lying, becoming more supportive of lies when used in specific situations in the best interests of the recipients.
Elvish
Ruth
R
Department of Clinical Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
James
Ian
I
Milne
Derek
D
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D008192:Deception; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure