sick role
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role
[rōl]a pattern of behavior developed in response to the demands or expectations of others; the pattern of responses to the persons with whom an individual interacts in a particular situation.
gender role the public expression of gender; the image projected by a person that identifies their maleness or femaleness, which need not correspond to their gender identity.
impaired role the role played by a person who is disabled or chronically ill and who is experiencing a state of wellness and realization of potential commensurate with the condition. Unlike the sick person, the impaired person cannot be expected to “want to get well” but is expected to resume as much normal behavior as is possible.
sick role the role played by a person who has defined himself or herself as ill, with or without validation of the role by health care providers or family members. Adoption of the sick role changes the behavioral expectations of others toward sick persons. They are exempted from normal social responsibilities and not held responsible for the condition; they are obliged to “want to get well” and to seek competent medical help. The sick role also involves behavioral changes, including increased attention to the body and bodily functions, regression (increase in dependent behavior), narrowing of interests, and emotional overreactions.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
sick role
in medical sociology, the familially or culturally accepted behavior pattern or role that one is permitted to exhibit during illness or disability, including sanctioned absence from school or work and a submissive, dependent relationship to family, health care personnel, and significant others.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
sick role
A functional role adopted by those who are sick, and for which their peers and society accept their sanctioned deviance from their usual (healthy) role(s).The sociologist Talcott Parsons saw those in a sick role mode as having two rights:
(1) They are exempt from their usual social roles,
(2) They are not responsible for their sickness;
and two obligations:
(1) They should try to get better; and, if unable,
(2) Seek medical care and follow the doctors’ advice.
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
sick role
(sik rōl)The familially or culturally accepted behavior pattern that one is permitted to exhibit during illness or disability, including sanctioned absence from school or work and a submissive, dependent relationship with family, health care personnel, and others.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
sick role
(sik rōl)In medical sociology, familially or culturally accepted behavior pattern or role that one is permitted to exhibit during illness or disability, including sanctioned absence from school or work and a submissive, dependent relationship to family, health care personnel, and significant others.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012