ArticlePloS one2025
An exploratory study of psychological and decision-making outcomes among family members of critically ill patients.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. An erratum has been issued. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Online cancer forums and complementary and alternative medicine in cancer care: effects of ehealth literacy and psychological distress on use and attitudes.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2026Article
- Correction: An exploratory study of psychological and decision-making outcomes among family members of critically ill patients.PloS one · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
- Erratum issued
Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionFamily members of critically ill patients are often required to make complex medical decisions under emotional distress, which may affect their decision-making capacity. It is well known that psychological distress can interfere with cognitive processes that are essential for decision-making; indeed, depression and anxiety constitute some examples of such distress.
aimThis exploratory study examined psychological outcomes among family members of critically ill patients, specifically depression, anxiety, and stress. It also explored the relationships between these outcomes and decision-making self-efficacy.
methodsThe study included 90 family members of intensive care unit patients. Demographic data was collected, and participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a measure of decision-making self-efficacy. Correlation analysis was used to analyze the data.
findingsThe results showed participants suffering from varying levels of psychological distress, ranging from moderate to very high levels. To be specific, 61.1% of the respondents reported experiencing moderate to severe depression; furthermore, 67.2% of them suffered from moderate to severe levels of anxiety while 58.3% experienced moderate to severe stress. Statistical analysis revealed there was a significant inverse correlation between levels of distress and decision-making self-efficacy (r = -0.42, p < 0.001).
conclusionPsychological distress may affect the confidence of family members in medical decision-making. The findings emphasize the need for psychological support, with structured opportunities to aid in the decision-making capacity in critical care settings.
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