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Section 5 - Argot, jargon, and questionable humor: assuming the mantle at the patient's expense

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 February 2015

Edited by
Thomasine K. Kushner  and
David C. Thomasma
Thomasine K. Kushner
Affiliation:
University of California, Berkeley
David C. Thomasma
Affiliation:
Neiswanger Institute of Bioethics and Health Policy, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
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Summary

In this section we explore deprecating humor. People need a release valve in highly charged emotional situations and using humor is a common way to let off steam. However, danger exists when patients are demeaned in the process. All too often, this kind of humor is used to establish distance and hierarchy as well as a way to overcome fear and anxiety. How should such depersonalizing behavior be handled?

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Ward Ethics
Dilemmas for Medical Students and Doctors in Training
 , pp. 153
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2001

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