Normality in medicine: an empirical elucidation

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Philosophy of Medicine
• Health Equity

Background:

• Normality is a complex concept used descriptively and normatively in medicine.
• Its application in medicine is often unclear and can function as an exclusionary tool.
• Understanding public perception of medical normality is crucial for addressing health inequalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore public understanding of normality in medicine.
• To identify concepts associated with the acceptance of medical normality.
• To investigate differences in perceptions between mental and physical health.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using convenient sampling via social media.
• Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.
• Theory-driven selection of predictors was employed.

Main Results:

• 323 participants from 21 countries completed the survey.
• Acceptance of normality in medicine correlated with perceptions of injustice, authority, and discrimination.
• In mental health, injustice insensitivity, genderism, transphobia, and authority were associated with acceptance; in physical health, injustice insensitivity and medical profession were associated.
• Acceptance of normality was lower for mental health compared to physical health.

Conclusions:

• The concept of normality in medicine has significant implications for clinical practice and policy.
• Medicine must address how reliance on normality can exacerbate social inequalities.
• Further research on marginalized experiences and empirical elucidation of normality's conceptual links are needed to mitigate its normative power and uphold the principle of 'first do no harm'.