The Effect of Education on Student Nurses' Attitudes Toward Alcoholics

Abstract

Despite a basic aim in nursing education to promote attitudes of understanding toward others, negative attitudes toward various groups still persist. This fact is particularly evident when one considers attitudes toward alcoholics. The literature reveals that student nurses continue to reflect the negative and unaccepting attitudes of the general public and of health professionals toward alcoholics (Caetano, 1987; Edwards, 1987; Fisher, Fisher, & Mason, 1976; Schmid & Schmid, 1973). These negative attitudes have a detrimental effect on the nurse's ability to develop meaningful relationships with alcoholics (Davidhizar & Golightly, 1983; Edwards, 1987; Gurel, 1976; Rosenbaum, 1977). Little is known about how to improve attitudes toward alcoholics. Generally, there has been inadequate attention given to alcohol education in most nursing, medical and social work programs (Johnson, 1983; Rosenbaum, 1977; Schlesinger, 1986). Programs that have attempted to promote improved attitudes toward alcoholics have varied greatly in their approach and many have not been based upon a theoretical framework.