How Do You Spell HOSPITALISM?

Pronunciation: [hˈɒspɪtəlˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Hospitalism is the term used to describe the negative effects on children's development when they are raised in institutional settings, such as orphanages. The word is spelled with a consonant cluster, "sp", and two instances of the vowel letter "i". The first syllable in hospitalism is pronounced with a stressed "hoss" sound, while the second syllable has a short "pitt" vowel sound. The final syllable in hospitalism is pronounced with a schwa sound, making it a three-syllable word (ˌhɑː.spɪˈtælɪzəm).

HOSPITALISM Meaning and Definition

1. Hospitalism is a term that refers to the psychological and physical damage experienced by infants and young children who are deprived of proper care and stimulation in institutional settings such as hospitals or orphanages. This term was first coined in the 19th century by French physician and psychiatrist Étienne Lancereaux.

   The concept of hospitalism emerged during a time when many institutions lacked the resources, personnel, and knowledge necessary to provide adequate care for vulnerable children. Hospitalism is characterized by a variety of negative effects such as emotional and cognitive disturbances, delayed physical development, and higher mortality rates. Children who experience hospitalism often have a higher susceptibility to infections, fail to thrive, and exhibit social and emotional deprivation.

   The exact causes of hospitalism include the lack of individualized care, compromised nutrition, limited physical contact and nurturing, and lack of opportunities for cognitive and motor stimulation. Furthermore, the absence of a stable caregiver and inconsistent routines contribute to the development of hospitalism.

   Over the years, efforts have been made to improve the conditions in institutions to prevent hospitalism. These efforts have focused on providing a nurturing and stimulating environment, encouraging attachment through consistent caregiver presence, promoting healthy physical and emotional development, and ensuring proper nutrition. As a result, the occurrence of hospitalism has significantly decreased.

   In contemporary usage, hospitalism is still used to describe the detrimental effects of institutionalization on young children, highlighting the importance of individualized care and a nurturing environment for optimal development.

2. A neurasthenic or “run-down” condition affecting nurses and others living constantly in a hospital.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for HOSPITALISM

• gospitalism
• bospitalism
• nospitalism
• jospitalism
• uospitalism
• yospitalism
• hispitalism
• hkspitalism
• hlspitalism
• hpspitalism
• h0spitalism
• h9spitalism
• hoapitalism
• hozpitalism
• hoxpitalism
• hodpitalism
• hoepitalism
• howpitalism
• hosoitalism

Etymology of HOSPITALISM

The word "Hospitalism" is derived from the noun "hospital" combined with the suffix "-ism".

The term "hospital" originates from the Latin word "hospes", meaning "guest" or "stranger". In ancient times, hospitals were initially places that provided hospitality and lodging for travelers and pilgrims. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer specifically to institutions where medical treatment and care were provided.

The suffix "-ism" in English is used to form nouns that denote a particular practice, system, or ideology. It often describes a condition, doctrine, or theory associated with the root word. In the case of "Hospitalism", the suffix "-ism" is added to "hospital" to form a noun that describes a specific condition or state which is associated with, or prevalent in, hospitals.

Plural form of HOSPITALISM is HOSPITALISMS