Cultural differences in General and Psychiatric Nurses: A critical analysis using Social Identity Theory

Abstract

This paper explores cultural identity within General (Adult) and Psychiatric (Mental Health) nursing as reflected in healthcare literature; illustrating how significant cultural differences associated with the history of the disciplines, representation of their fields of practice, professional knowledge, power, status, gender and employment rights affect interdisciplinary communication and working relationships. Applying Social Identity Theory (SIT), it argues that psychiatric nursing is a low status group compared to general nursing and highlights actions, congruent with SIT, which can be regarded as attempts to enhance the status of this discipline; so far with very limited success.