[Power and helplessness in therapeutic care of children]

Cesk Pediatr. 1991 Sep;46(8-9):385-91.
[Article in Czech]

Abstract

The child is exposed to force, starting at birth, and force accompanies him through later life. Absence of force should thus start by gentle delivery in an operation theatre and be associated with the subsequent upbringing of the child. Trauma of separation in hospital is one of his most painful experiences. This led in the sixties to basic psychohygienic reforms in paediatric clinics, with unrestricted visiting times and admission of mothers to the department with the child. Force determines our lifestyle and penetrates via the mass media continuously into our families. Parents are therefore requested to alter their style of upbringing psychotherapists are requested to avoid any force used in aversive therapy by behavioural therapists or so-called "Festhaltetherapie" of autistic children. The number of disrupted families, demonstrated on the example of children of divorced parents indicates the tasks of "doctors as educators of children" (see Czerny). In an environment of soulles medicine based on apparatuses steady control of his activities are needed. The remedial teacher is an important assistant in paediatric hospitals. Psychological knowledge and experience can protect the doctor against abuse of force in therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Child Rearing*
  • Humans
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Psychology, Child*
  • Psychotherapy*