Which ethics model focuses on the ethical significance of storytelling and patient narratives in care decisions?

Which ethics model focuses on the ethical significance of storytelling and patient narratives in care decisions?

• A. Virtue
• B. Narrative ethics
• C. Principalism
• D. Ethic-of-care

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how patient stories shape ethical decision-making. Narrative ethics centers on the ethical significance of storytelling and patient narratives in care decisions. It argues that understanding a patient’s lived experience—their values, goals, fears, and context—through their story provides essential insight for choosing ethically appropriate actions. Rather than relying solely on abstract rules or the caregiver’s character, this approach treats the patient’s narrative as a foundational source of moral guidance, helping to align decisions with what matters most to the person receiving care. The other frameworks offer important angles but not the same emphasis on stories. Principalism uses universal principles like autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice to guide decisions; virtue ethics focuses on the caregiver’s character and moral virtues guiding behavior; ethic-of-care highlights the importance of relationships and responsiveness in caregiving. When the focus is specifically on the ethical weight of narratives and stories in making care decisions, narrative ethics is the best fit.

The main idea being tested is how patient stories shape ethical decision-making. Narrative ethics centers on the ethical significance of storytelling and patient narratives in care decisions. It argues that understanding a patient’s lived experience—their values, goals, fears, and context—through their story provides essential insight for choosing ethically appropriate actions. Rather than relying solely on abstract rules or the caregiver’s character, this approach treats the patient’s narrative as a foundational source of moral guidance, helping to align decisions with what matters most to the person receiving care.

The other frameworks offer important angles but not the same emphasis on stories. Principalism uses universal principles like autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice to guide decisions; virtue ethics focuses on the caregiver’s character and moral virtues guiding behavior; ethic-of-care highlights the importance of relationships and responsiveness in caregiving. When the focus is specifically on the ethical weight of narratives and stories in making care decisions, narrative ethics is the best fit.