The purpose of the present research was to assess the empirical relationship of the psychosocial variables of empathy, attitudes, and ideological orientation toward treatment (custodial versus therapeutic). The sample consisted of 363 volunteers representing all levels of nursing personnel in seven different nursing homes. The data analysis indicated that a low level of empathy, negative attitudes toward the elderly, and a custodial orientation toward treatment were significantly positively correlated. Positive attitudes were not significantly correlated with empathy, orientation toward treatment, or negative attitudes. There were significant differences in empathy, negative attitudes, and custodial orientation toward treatment among the staff levels and nursing homes. However, positive attitudes varied significantly only among nursing homes. These data suggest directions for enhancing the ability of nursing personnel to interact therapeutically with elderly persons in nursing homes.
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