The myth of the total institution: Written narratives of patients' views of sanatorium care 1908-1959.

Journal: Social science & medicine (1982)

Volume: 153

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 2016

Affiliated Institutions:  Jönköping University, School of Health and Welfare, Sweden. Electronic address: Staffan.Bengtsson@ju.se. Jönköping University, School of Health and Welfare, Sweden; Research Fellow at the Department of Social Work, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Electronic address: Pia.Bulow@ju.se.

Abstract summary 

Drawing on written narratives by 72 former sanatorium patients, this article explores, from patients' perspectives, the nature of the relationships between patients and staff in a Swedish sanatorium during the first half of the twentieth century. These narratives are discussed in the context of the total institution. This article suggests that this phenomenon was marked by inconsistencies that can be understood in terms of its situational and contradictory characteristics. Simultaneously, these narratives are in opposition to the assumption of the static and powerless patient adapted only to suit the logic of the institution.

Authors & Co-authors:  Bengtsson Staffan S Bülow Pia H PH

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.02.005
SSN : 1873-5347
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Letter;Narrative analysis;Patient–staff relationship;Sanatorium;Story;Sweden;Total institution
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
England