An Assessment Of The Therapeutic Fib: The Ethical And Emotional Role Of Therapeutic Lying In The Caregiving Of Alzheimer's Disease Patients By Non-Medical Caregivers

Author

Dina Green, Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Liberal Studies

Advisor

Rosamond Rhodes

Subject Categories

Ethics and Political Philosophy | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

Alzheimer's Disease, Bioethics, Caregiver, Dementia, Therapeutic Fibbing, Therapeutic Lying

Abstract

This study qualitatively assesses the various aspects of the use of the therapeutic lie in care giving for Alzheimer's Disease patients while examining the ethics of lying associated in and out of the medical setting. The objectives of this study are to: gain an understanding of the role therapeutic lying plays in the care given by non-medical caregivers through a series of focus groups and interviews; examine the moral and emotional issues related to the use of this practice with a focus on non-medical caregivers; gather knowledge of the use of therapeutic lying in order to improve care for Alzheimer's Disease patients. The therapeutic lie is believed to a) be mutually beneficial for both the caregiver and the Alzheimer's patient by easing communication between the two parties; b) cause a feeling of moral ambiguity for the caregiver due to the socially entrenched view that lying is unethical; c) present ethical dilemmas for the caregivers.

Recommended Citation

Green, Dina, "An Assessment Of The Therapeutic Fib: The Ethical And Emotional Role Of Therapeutic Lying In The Caregiving Of Alzheimer's Disease Patients By Non-Medical Caregivers" (2015). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/567