The attitudes of black Americans toward advance directives.

PURPOSE To describe how some Black Americans view advance directives. Current literature revealed that most prior studies used quantitative methods with force-choice questions and had few Black subjects. DESIGN Interviews were conducted with 17 Black Americans. Transcripts of the interviews were subjected to content analysis. FINDINGS Three major categories of themes were identified: Threats to dignity, family relationships, and spirituality. Black Americans in this study did not desire unconditional end-of-life treatment. CONCLUSIONS This sample had a positive attitude toward the utility of advance directives. Legally generated directives were not seen as necessary. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The alternative ways that Black Americans may conduct advance directing should be recognized.