The Attitudes of Black Americans Toward Advance Directives

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe how some Black Americans view advance directives. Current literature revealed that most prior studies used quantitative methods with force-choice questions and had few Black subjects. DESIGN: Interviews were conducted with 17 Black Americans. Transcripts of the interviews were subjected to content analysis. FINDINGS: Three major categories of themes were identified: Threats to dignity, family relationships, and spirituality. Black Americans in this study did not desire unconditional end-of-life treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This sample had a positive attitude toward the utility of advance directives. Legally generated directives were not seen as necessary. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The alternative ways that Black Americans may conduct advance directing should be recognized.