Analysis Of D. L. Rosenhan's Research Article: On Being Sane In Insane Places

I will be analyzing D.L. Rosenhan’s research article titled, “On Being Sane in Insane Places.” The main question that the author asks is, “What is the basis to determine whether someone is insane or sane?” There has been much debate on how we figure out who normal vs. abnormal. It has been hard to distinguish the exact factors that would designate a person into either of these categories. The author wanted to find out if there was a universal way to standardize this process in a precise way for the future. He tested for this using the scientific method. The participants that he used were 8 pseudopatients. Pseudopatient can be defined as, “people who do not have, and have never suffered, symptoms of serious psychiatric disorders” (Rosenhan …show more content…
There needs to be less segregation between patients and staff and more interaction. I find it astounding that physicians and psychiatrists spend the least time with the patients. I think these physicians and psychiatrists should be held more accountable for the well-being of these patients. They need to be out on the floor more instead of staying in their comfy offices and “the cage”. I think this really starts with building rapport with the client and really understand what they are going through. This will give the physician/psychiatrists a better portrayal of the patients’ mental states. They will get to know their feelings, desires, and goals. Instead of just getting the information from the nurses and attendents who also don’t spend enough time with the patients.
In conclusion, D.L. Rosenhan’s article was interesting to read. It was a great article that covered an important topic. Determining whether a person is “sane or insane” is still up for debate. Rosenhan didn’t find a solution, but shed light on labeling and depersonalization, things needed to be improved in the psychiatric setting. I hope in the future we can find a way to stop these