I really wanted a girl 'cause girl doctors are softer than boys : children's memories and their subsequent health care attitudes

Tucker, Vanessa C. (2002) I really wanted a girl 'cause girl doctors are softer than boys : children's memories and their subsequent health care attitudes. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (15MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

The present study examined the mediating role of memory within the relationship between experience and children's health care attitudes. Forty-six children between the ages of 6 and 13 years old were recruited from an emergency room and interviewed about their injuries and hospital visits initially and 6 months later. Children were also given a health care attitudes questionnaire at both periods. Children who remembered more about their injuries reported that the health care system was less effective. Children who remembered more about hospital related events reported disliking the health care system more. Changes in children's memory over the two time periods did not relate to changes in children's health care attitudes. Higher levels of distress were found to be related to enhancements in children's memory and more negative health care attitudes initially. Findings suggest that memory for medical experiences may play a minor role in health care attitudes.

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