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Reformulation of deviance and labeling theory for nursing
1College of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte 28223, USA.
Image--The Journal of Nursing Scholarship
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Nurses often label patients as "difficult," impacting care. This study uses labeling theory and social deviance concepts to explain how nurses perceive and react to patient behaviors, influencing patient inclusion or exclusion in care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The concept of the "difficult patient" is frequently discussed in nursing literature and practice.
- Existing explanations often lack a robust theoretical framework to understand this phenomenon.
- Patient-nurse interactions are complex and influenced by social perceptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a theoretical perspective for understanding the phenomenon of "difficult patients" in nursing.
- To apply labeling theory and the concept of social deviance to explain nurse-patient interactions.
- To explore how nurses' perceptions of patient deviance influence care delivery.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical reformulation of propositions from labeling theory.
- Integration of the sociological concept of social deviance.
- Analysis of nurse-reported communication and reactions to perceived patient deviance.
Main Results:
- Patient characteristics can be judged as deviant by nurses.
- The communication of a "deviant" label influences patient interactions.
- Nurses exhibit exclusionary and inclusionary reactions based on perceived patient deviance.
Conclusions:
- Labeling theory and social deviance provide a framework for understanding "difficult patients."
- Nurse perceptions and labeling significantly impact patient care and inclusion.
- Understanding these dynamics can improve nursing practice and patient outcomes.