Extract
[...] In what way does tutoiement influence the therapeutic distance in the care of a schizophrenic patient? In what way does tutoiement influence the therapeutic distance in the care of a schizophrenic patient? The concept of tutoiement in the medical sphere in the broad sense represents a subject that seems to have raised a number of questions within the medical community. In fact, the language used between the caregiver and the care recipient, the way to address the patient is of some importance: should we be familiar or keep our distance? [...]
[...] In addition, the sex of the patient can be decisive in the choice of pronoun. While male caregivers can choose to tutoyer a female patient, female caregivers will more often keep themselves from tutoyer their male patient, and this in order to avoid any risk of eroticization of the relationship. The patient remains the determining element in the use of the choice of pronoun. In fact, it often happens that the patient requests the tutoiement, and this within closed institutions in which the duration of the stay is prolonged. [...]
[...] In addition, other factors come to determine this choice of pronoun. Firstly, the age of the patient. It will be noted that young or adolescent patients will be more easily tutoyed, as the relationship of trust is established more easily in this way, unlike adult patients who will prefer vouvoiement as a sign of respect. Secondly, at the level of the training of caregivers, it is noted that the order of the day remains to give precedence to vouvoiement in relation to the patient. Thirdly, the pathology. [...]
[...] On the other hand, tutoiement is used in the private sphere, with loved ones, and induces a notion of familiarity and intimacy. However, tutoiement can also take on a much more negative connotation when used with a stranger: it can be interpreted as a lack of respect, as contempt. That's why, a priori, vouvoyer seems to be the most adapted language with the patient. Yet, it seems not always so obvious to know what type of language to adopt with one's patient and certain factors can influence this choice. [...]
[...] However, at the level of psychotic patients, the tutoiement seems to be privileged both in closed and open environments. Here, it is therefore the experience of caregivers with this pathology in particular that induces this behavior. The tutoiement does not seem to necessarily affect the just distance necessary for care, in the sense that it is not the only language element that intervenes, nor even the only behavior. Thus, the tutoiement does not negatively influence the care of psychotic patients, and does not alter the therapy, since, on the contrary, it would allow working, among other things, on denial. [...]
