Depersonalisation & Dignity

Question 1

Define conformity

Answer 1

is a defined as a change in a persons behavior, views, beliefs or values due to real or imagined pressures from another person or group.
We conform to avoid negative consequences e.g., judgement, disapproval or being ignored. We want to fit in and feel valued. When we feel uncomfortable or lost we tend to look to others for what to do.

Question 2

Define compliance

Answer 2

A form of conformity which involves going along with the group in order to fit in & gain approval. It does not change their private beliefs or behaviors, but publicly they will take on different beliefs and behaviours

Question 3

Define identification

Answer 3

It is a mix of compliance & internalization, it comes from the need of wanting to fit in & be associated with a group. so we adopt similar behaviours leading to public conformity & perhaps privately due to change in behaviour and beliefs

Question 4

Define internalization

Answer 4

It involves comparing our beliefs, values & behaviours with others, to see if our values are invalid. If we believe they are invalid then this may lead to a public & private change, conforming publicly and privately.

Question 5

Why would HCP treat patients with suboptimal care?

Answer 5

Conformity, HCP may look to others and follow their behaviours.
There are gaps between what an HCP wants to deliver and what they can deliver, e.g., they need to ensure they are following guidelines & policies & lack of training that they possess.

Question 6

Explain Milgrams experiment

Answer 6

Milgram wanted to know why people obeyed those of authority, e.g., holocaust, why soldiers obeyed hitler. Was it due to the appearance of legitimate authority, fear of negative consequences or disapproval. This study has high external validity and real-life application

AIM: to assess obedience levels in response to authority

PROCEDURE: 40 male volunteers gathered from yale university

A fixed game resulted in participant being the teacher, having to inflict shocks on the learner ( a confederate)

Learner had to repeat a list of phrases, mistakes resulted in shocks which increased in voltage every time for every mistake made

Scale of 15-450Mv

Learner was falsely shocked, participant unaware of this

FINDINGS: all participants went up to 300volts, 65% went up to max voltage of 450,

Experimenter used verbal prods to encourage high obedience

Observation of participants were collected e.g., extreme sweating, shaking

CONCLUSION: participants were willing to hurt a person due to obeying orders from an authority figure

Factors that influence obedience were: uniform, location and proximity

Question 7

Define cognitive dissonance

Answer 7

It is defined as a psychological discomfort that occurs when people are confronted with conflicting ideas, values or beliefs. Individuals will want to reduce dissonance and so may change & adapt to other peoples values to reduce conflict

Question 8

Define Burnout

Answer 8

It is comprised of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion, most likely to be caused by prolonged stress

Question 9

What are stressors that can lead to burnout?

Answer 9

High workload

Lack of support & poor leadership

Conflict between professionals

Emotional cost

Shift work

Discrimination

Dealing with death & uncertainty

Family stress

Dealing with multiple issues at once

Conflict between work & home

Dealing with patients

Question 10

What are the symptoms of burnout?

Answer 10

Fatigue

Lack of motivation/enthusiasm

Feeling drained

Negative emotions such as frustration, anger & irritability

Can result in lack of empathy

Lack of concentration

Decrease in job performance

Question 11

Define dignified care

Answer 11

Dignified care is giving care in which self-respect for patients is supported, by recognizing their wants, needs & ambitions

Question 12

What is the importance of dignified care?

Answer 12

Treating people with dignified care can aid in treatment & social outcomes (Tadd et al, 2002; Walsh & Kowanko, 2002; Ranzkjn
et al, 1998, cited in Calnan et al., 2005)
It promotes equality, ensuring all people are treated the same no matter their race, gender or socioeconomic status. Everyone deserves same level of care
It also reduces suffering as it acknowledges a persons pain, this recognition helps alleviate suffering, preventing a patient from feeling ignored

There is evidence to suggest that undignified care can effect patients negatively

Lead to research to explore healthcare professionals’ opinions of dignified care and what influences them to give it

Question 13

Describe the importance of dignity in healthcare setting

Answer 13

Views on dignity: dignity is related to the identity of the individual (self-respect), reflecting the notions of human rights (ensuring people are treated equally & with confidentiality) & emphasizing to a patient their independence & autonomy

Question 14

Define depersonalization

Answer 14

treating a person as if they are not present or not a person, seeing people as on object. Has been described as a side effect of burnout

HCP & doctors may depersonalize to protect themselves emotionally, trying to feel less attached to a person’s situation, not carrying their burden. It is a result of having a lot of responsibility & a heavy workload

Question 15

What is the relationship between conformity & group behaviour

Answer 15

Asch found that conformity levels increased with group size, but this eventually plateaus
Group behaviour is influenced by factors such as social norms, group cohesion and presence of others. It is shaped by dynamics within the group. Group behaviours can influence individuals behaviour within a group
Conformity is seen to regulate group behaviour ensuring that individuals act accordingly with groups expectations & norms

Question 16

Describe the relationship between conformity & hostile groups

Answer 16

Conformity in hostile crowds is shaped by factors like deindividuation, group identity, peer pressure, and the influence of group norms.
Hostile groups may engage in aggressive behaviour which may cause individuals feel pressure to conform, and to be protected.
Actions of the crowd tend to intensify individual behaviour, making them more extreme.
Conformity can be good to unite a group e.g., fighting for women’s rights, however in hostile situations it can lead to violence & loss of control

Question 17

Describe the relationship between conformity & apathetic crowds

Answer 17

Characteristics of apathetic crowds: lack of emotional engagement, motivation or interest
Conformity in apathetic crowds occurs due to social norms, a want for approval & passive influence of others
Individuals may conform to prevent them from standing out or are unsure of how to behave
Apathetic crowds are less disruptive than hostile crowds, leads to indifference, lack of individual initiative & passivity.
conformity in apathetic crowds helps maintain social harmony and smooth functioning, even though individuals might not be highly motivated by the collective goal or emotional energy of the group.