Two Minds, One Patient: Clearing up Confusion About "Ambivalence".
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Patients who experience difficulty making medical decisions are often referred to as "ambivalent." However, the current lack of attention to the nuances between a cluster of phenomena that resemble ambivalence means that we are not always recognizing what is really going on with a patient. Importantly, different kinds of "ambivalence" may call for different approaches. In this paper, we present a taxonomy of ambivalence-related phenomena, provide normative analysis of some of the effects of-and common responses to-such mental states, and sketch some practical strategies for addressing ambivalence. In applying lessons from the philosophical literature and decision theory, our aim is to provide ethicists and clinicians with the tools to better understand and effectively intervene in cases of ambivalence.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Moore, B; Nelson, RH; Ubel, PA; Blumenthal-Barby, J
Published Date
- June 2022
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 22 / 6
Start / End Page
- 37 - 47
PubMed ID
- 33620300
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1536-0075
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1526-5161
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1080/15265161.2021.1887965
Language
- eng