Maintenance and Discontinuity of Coping Mechanisms in an Intensive Care Unit

During a three month participant observation study of an intensive care unit, the maintenance of “detached concern” among medical personnel was analyzed. In order to function in their medical roles and to maintain emotional balance medical personnel typically employed the following coping mechanisms: humor, escape into work, language alteration, and rationalization. Discontinuity of detachment signaled a breakdown of coping and was derived from a specific type of patient contact. The balance between detachment and concern was affected by the age and personality characteristics of patients.