An Exploration of Othering in Forensic Psychiatric and Correctional Nursing

Abstract

In forensic and correctional environments, it is not uncommon for nurses and other health-care practitioners to depersonalize their patients and clients through their use of language. For example, referring to patients as "inmates," "cons," "psychopaths," "schizophrenics," or "monsters" not only evokes stereotypical images, but, more importantly, casts the individual in the role of the other. Othering is generally viewed as a negative form of engagement, one that is contrary to ethical nursing practice. Through the exploration of relational and contextual factors contributing to this phenomenon, the author argues that othering is a contemporary ethical issue that requires ongoing dialogue within the forensic and correctional nursing communities.