Healthy Living - Adherence to Medical Regimes - Evaluation (3)

Debates:

Reductionism

It is reductionist to assume that non adherence is as simple as making a rational choice (cognitive approach).  The reason for adherence may be a complex interaction between past positive or negative experiences (behaviourism), early trauma (psychodynamic) combined with the biological side effects which may be very individual to one particular person. Think individual differences..

Individual vs. Situational Explanations

Is non-adherence best explained as an individual or situational behaviour? Answer – probably both! It is an individual’s choice whether or not they adhere. However, this can be affected by the situation. E.g. It may be easy to take medication at home by leaving it in an obvious place that is noticed, but this maybe more difficult if the person is at work