Pinel, Julee (2016) Perceptions of older persons: An exploratory study with allied health students. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Unprecedented numbers of people live longer, healthier and more productive lives than previously, with the number of people living beyond 60 years of age expected to double by 2050. The World Health Organisation has found, however that societies worldwide, including Australia, have failed to adapt their health services adequately to meet the needs of ageing populations. Allied health professionals represent approximately 25% of the Australian healthcare workforce and most graduates will work with older persons during their career. Despite this, studies of allied health students and professionals and their attitudes towards older persons are under-represented in the literature. This study explores how three allied health students, who have not yet attended their older person’s clinical placement, view older persons. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, three major themes were identified: Stereotypical changes in health and activity, professional expectations and personal worldview, and the value of helping. The findings of this study suggest that biologically based education can influence students’ perceptions towards a negative stereotype of older persons. The professional expectations and personal worldviews held by the students were identified as influential in shaping how students viewed older persons and their professional ability to assist them. Student awareness of the value of helping was interpreted as a strategy for managing their upcoming clinical placement. This study provides insights that are of value for academics planning curriculum and preparing allied health students for clinical placements.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Jan du Preez |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Sep 2025 01:03 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Sep 2025 01:03 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | older persons ; allied health students ; ageing ; clinical placement |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52669 |
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