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Copyright Freie Universität Berlin 2004

Abstract

How do people decide to take medica­tion? When is it necessary to do something about the condition one is in when falling ill? These questions require answers at two levels--first at the general decision structure of what features of thinking processes are coordinated to make the decision (the macrogenetic model), and how the actual decision process works individually (the microgenetic model). Both models are described, and selected case analyses from an interview study of 25 young adults are presented. Based on the evidence we show that each and every subject makes use of the same macrogenetic and micro­genetic models. Our evidence also shows that the folk model--"the body as a machine"--is present in every interview. Such general folk models frame the intricate decision making process between the microgenetic and macrogenetic levels. The act of taking medicine while facing a minor impending illness is a complex psychological process de­scribed and discussed in this paper.

URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0401171

Details

Title
Making Decisions About Taking Medicines: A Social Coordination Process
Author
Joerchel, Amrei C; Valsiner, Jaan
Section
Single Contributions
Publication year
2004
Publication date
2004
Publisher
Freie Universität Berlin
e-ISSN
14385627
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
869221270
Copyright
Copyright Freie Universität Berlin 2004