Open AccessNegative Rumor: Contagion of a Psychiatric Department
Author(s) -
Andrei Novac,
Stephanie McEwan,
Robert G. Bota
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
primary care companion to cns disorders/the primary care companion for cns disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2155-7772
pISSN - 2155-7780
DOI - 10.4088/pcc.13br01614
Subject(s) - rumor , gossip , psychology , psychiatry , cohesion (chemistry) , creativity , productivity , quality (philosophy) , public relations , social psychology , political science , philosophy , chemistry , organic chemistry , epistemology , economics , macroeconomics
Over the past few decades, a sizable body of literature on the effects of rumors and gossip has emerged. Addressing rumors in the workplace is an important subject, as rumors have a direct impact on the quality of the work environment and also on the productivity and creativity of the employees. To date, little has been written on the effect of rumors and gossip in psychiatric hospitals. This article presents case vignettes of rumors spread in psychiatric hospitals and the impact on team cohesion and morale among the staff implicated in these, too often, neglected occurrences. Dynamic aspects with particular focus on rumors in psychiatric units and suggestions for remedy and treatment are presented.