Othering and psychiatric nursing

Area of Science:

• Psychiatric Nursing
• Social Psychology
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• The concept of 'Othering' is crucial in understanding social dynamics within healthcare.
• Psychiatric nursing often involves navigating complex power structures and patient-nurse relationships.
• Societal dualisms (e.g., East/West, male/female, reason/unreason) influence perceptions and interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically explore the concept of Othering in psychiatric nursing.
• To analyze how Othering is constructed through various dualisms and knowledge systems.
• To discuss the implications of Othering for psychiatric nursing practice and propose solutions.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of the concept of Othering.
• Examination of dualisms such as same/other, East/West, man/woman, and reason/unreason.
• Discussion of the role of psychiatry and knowledge construction in Othering.

Main Results:

• Othering is deeply intertwined with the construction of knowledge and reality in psychiatric settings.
• The dualisms of same/other, East/West, man/woman, and reason/unreason are central to the process of Othering.
• Othering is identified as an inherent and complex aspect of psychiatric nursing practice.

Conclusions:

• Othering presents a significant, unavoidable challenge within psychiatric nursing.
• Understanding the theoretical underpinnings of Othering is essential for effective nursing practice.
• Strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of Othering should be developed and implemented.