Involuntary hospitalization: The social construction of danger
- 1 June 1976
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in American Journal of Community Psychology
- Vol. 4 (2) , 129-132
- https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00881934
Abstract
Petitions for 50 consecutive patients committed involuntarily to a western state hospital were examined to determine whether statements supporting such commitment reflected explicit or residual rule-breaking behaviors. In 46 cases, involuntary hospitalization was based upon residual rule breaking. Additionally, in only 5 cases did the petitioner perceive the patient as dangerous, while in all 50 cases, the two examining physicians certified him to be such. Results are discussed in the context of the psychiatrist's personality characteristics and his role as a social control agent.Keywords
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