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The "Social Self": The 11th Category of Integrity—Implications for Enhancing Geriatric Nursing Care

Karolinska Institutet, Sophiahemmet University College

Anne-Cathrine Mattiasson

Karolinska Institutet, Sophiahemmet University College

Tina H. Olson

Midwestern University

The purpose of this study was to enhance an earlier identified and briefly described social self category of integrity and how it affects the quality of care in patients older than 70 years. The two methods used in the earlier research were qualitative interviews and participant observations. From the data analysis, two themes were identified: social exchange and social experiences. The results indicate that improving care for geriatric patients includes offering more time to these patients for therapeutic social interactions such as listening, talking, storytelling, and reminiscing. Improving care for geriatric patients also includes providing information from the world outside from such sources as newspapers, radio, television, and communication from fellow patients and significant others. An increased awareness of the "social self" category in older adults by health care professionals will provide a more comprehensive foundation for holistic geriatric care.

Key Words: geriatric care • integrity • social self • social exchange • social experiences

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