Developing self-neglect theory: analysis of related and atypical cases of people identified as self-neglecting.
Self-neglect is a complex, relatively common and as yet not fully understood phenomenon. People who self-neglect often do not undertake those activities which are judged necessary to maintain a socially accepted standard of personal and household hygiene or to maintain their health status. This may be explained by a variety of factors of which psychopathology, culture, social class and poverty all play a role in the construction of this phenomenon. The self-neglect literature overwhelmingly presents professional views and focuses on the most severe cases. This paper explores some core issues in relation to self-neglect theory through in-depth interviews with atypical (related) cases. These cases allow the boundaries of what is and is not self-neglect to be tested. Analysis of these cases suggests that self-neglect remains a useful concept but contains a far wide range of presentations than previously reported.
Lauder
W
W
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK. wl5@stir.ac.uk
Roxburgh
M
M
Harris
J
J
Law
J
J
D015897:Comorbidity / Q000639:trends; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008960:Models, Psychological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012923:Social Class; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology