NR2315_234986T_JaelTan

HS1203-Sociology ICA2 (Written Assignment)

During my time serving in Singapore’s National Service (NS), I had desired to enter one of the
leadership courses for Officers or Sergeants. During the initial training phase of the army, I
encountered instances of chest pains and respiratory difficulties, which required multiple doctor’s
visits. There were 2 possible diagnoses for my issues, Injury to the intercostal muscles (Cleveland
Clinic, 2020) or Overexertion of my diaphragm, known as Exercise-induced Bronchospasms
(Healthline, 2018)

This had affected the way my peers and superiors viewed me, as they had thought that I had
intentionally skipped training to see the doctor. This caused a rift between my peers, my
commanders and myself. I had been close to my bunk mates but through passing statements and
non-verbal gestures, they distanced themselves from me. My commanders had expected me to
qualify for the leadership Courses and had thought that I was backing out with the medical condition
as an excuse.

Anomie & Strain theory

Anomie is a condition that describes the difference between societal goals and one’s ability in
accomplishing them (Nickerson, 2023). Merton’s strain theory described the inability of specific
groups of people to achieve societal goals due to lack or inability. To be an officer or a sergeant in the
army was sought after by many as it was a tangible and recognized achievement throughout the
military. Being informed that such a feat was impossible for me made me feel inadequate and lesser,
and it was an issue I struggled with, questioning if the fault was on myself or the system. My father,
who had an eye injury which caused him to stop pursuing his photography career, would guide me
through my recovery period and help me look forward to other possibilities.

Relating this to healthcare, I can see how a patient might experience the same disconnect as I had.
Caution when guiding patients whose conditions put them in a similar situation would help them
have a better path to recovery. Nurses will have to be aware not to alienate patients whose routines
have been disrupted by their conditions, which hinder and deny their pursuit of goals physical or
career related. Interacting with patients can open up discussion of how they might proceed from the
treatment back into normalcy.

Labels

During training, I interacted with many others of different backgrounds, the social aspect of bonding
and toughing out difficult times with peers was crucial during the initial training phase. As my
condition started to be more apparent, so did the stigma of me always needing to go to the doctor
when it was convenient. This label hung over me throughout the majority of my time in the army
with the regularly ordered check-ups.

There are two main resulting reactions of stereotypes: rejection of the labelled person & social
withdrawal due to anticipated rejection or devaluation (Link, 1982). I was labelled as someone who
was malingering, most of my peers excluded me from group activities, which I had eventually
excluded myself from in the assumption I was not invited. While waiting for doctor’s appointments, I
would also receive comments assuming I was there to skip training from nurses, assistants and
doctors. These labels were hurtful and demeaning as I knew I had a medical issue, but was called out
for having ill-intent or being lazy.

With this in mind, nurses need to be aware of their speech and behaviour around patients, so as not
to put down or stereotype their patients. Those under their care would have their own background
and experiences, labelling them as such would remove their individuality. Labelling can also affect a
nurse’s performance, as less care could be taken for a patient they have stereotyped to be
pretending, lowering the quality of care the nurse gives to said patient

Labelling Theory

Placing a label on someone can change how they view themselves, and how they interact with the
world around them (Drew, 2023). Such stigma connected to diagnostic labels can affect with
provision of care, patient’s living experience, and even willingness to participate in associated
research and treatment (Garand et al., 2009).

In healthcare, stigmas and stereotypes accompany the diagnosis that the patient may receive.
Mental conditions, especially in our Asian centric culture, are taboo topics to be discussed, likewise,
cancer is often seen as a death sentence. Though there are benefits to diagnostic labels, they are
often accompanied with stereotypes and stigmas (Garand et al., 2009). Even if the healthcare
professionals are careful not to impose stereotypes upon the patient, the patient will themselves
have their own stigmas regarding their diagnoses.

These symptoms of stigma appear in a multitude of ways, aversion to seeking treatment from fear of
embarrassment or inferiority, negative social and emotional outcomes for the affected individual or
diagnostic labels becoming personally relevant which fosters negative feelings for oneself (Garand et
al., 2009). There are many other possible associated outcomes from receiving a diagnostic label so
nursing professionals should be informed and educated on how a patient might react, lashing out,
withdrawing into oneself, or even breaking from reality. It would be the responsibility of those
providing care to assure the patient and assist them in juggling the social, emotional and physical
aspects that come with the diagnosis.

As a final takeaway, diagnostic labels can disrupt a patient’s routines and cause a disconnect between
their current physical or social status and their desired goals. In addition, stereotypes can be
reduced, but eventually unavoidable. It is then the responsibility of medical professionals, especially
nurses, to be educated in the ways patients can react to reports and be well versed in steering them
away from negative behaviours and reactions.

References:
Bernburg, J. G. (2009). Labeling theory. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research, 187–207.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0245-0_10

Cleveland Clinic. (2020, May 7). How to Cope with an Intercostal Muscle Strain.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cope-with-an-intercostal-muscle-strain/

Drew, C. (2023, June 30). Labeling Theory Of Deviance: Definition & Examples.
https://helpfulprofessor.com/labeling-theory-of-deviance/

Garand, L., Lingler, J. H., Conner, K. O., & Dew, M. A. (2009). Diagnostic labels, stigma, and participation in
research related to dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Research in gerontological nursing, 2(2), 112–
121. https://doi.org/10.3928/19404921-20090401-04

Gotter, A. (2018, Sep 18). Diaphragm Spasm. https://www.healthline.com/health/diaphragm-spasm#:~:text=If

%20you%20overexert%20your%20diaphragm,shortness%20of%20breath

Link, B. G. (1982). Mental patient status, work, and income: An examination of the effects of a psychiatric label.
American Sociological Review, 47, 202-215.

Nickerson, C. (2023, May 10). Merton’s Strain Theory Of Deviance And Anomie In Sociology.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/mertons-strain-theory-deviance.html