“[…] maar moeten wij hem altijd behandelen zoo als wij zelven zouden wenschen behandeld te worden.” A study on the implementation of moral treatment in the Dutch insanity asylum of Dordrecht from 1801 to 1898.
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2024-06-15
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en
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This thesis examines the implementation of moral treatment in the Dutch insanity asylum of Dordrecht from 1801 to 1898. It delves into the evolution of moral treatment, a nineteenth-century concept emphasising humane, compassionate, and individualised care for the mentally ill. The study analyses contemporary Dutch laws and the practical instructions given to personnel in the asylum. Furthermore, it provides a demographic overview of the asylum's patient population, specifically focusing on gender dynamics, diagnoses, and causes of insanity. Additionally, the thesis evaluates patient recovery rates, particularly emphasising the use of labour as a rehabilitative tool. By integrating various archival sources, such as medical files and annual reports, the research offers insights into how moral treatment influenced patient care and recovery in the asylum in Dordrecht, contributing to the broader history of mental healthcare in the Netherlands.
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