Persuasion, simulation and attitude change.

The attitudes of nurses strongly influence the nature of nurse-patient dynamics. This investigation sought to determine whether two comparative treatment approaches utilizing persuasion and simulation gaming in group settings would appreciably affect attitudes toward mental illness and aging. Locus of control was also studied to determine whether internal or external orientation affected treatment responsively. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference for one factor (interpersonal etiology) of the opinions about mental illness scale. Confirmation of this difference was provided by a multivariate analysis, but no difference was found for attitudes toward old people or locus of control.