@article{ref1,
title="Institutional betrayal and gaslighting: why whistle-blowers are so traumatized",
journal="Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing",
year="2018",
author="Ahern, Kathy",
volume="32",
number="1",
pages="59-65",
abstract="Despite whistle-blower protection legislation and healthcare codes of conduct, retaliation against nurses who report misconduct is common, as are outcomes of sadness, anxiety, and a pervasive loss of sense of worth in the whistle-blower. Literature in the field of institutional betrayal and intimate partner violence describes processes of abuse strikingly similar to those experienced by whistle-blowers. The literature supports the argument that although whistle-blowers suffer reprisals, they are traumatized by the emotional manipulation many employers routinely use to discredit and punish employees who report misconduct. &quot;Whistle-blower gaslighting&quot; creates a situation where the whistle-blower doubts her perceptions, competence, and mental state. These outcomes are accomplished when the institution enables reprisals, explains them away, and then pronounces that the whistle-blower is irrationally overreacting to normal everyday interactions. Over time, these strategies trap the whistle-blower in a maze of enforced helplessness. Ways to avoid being a victim of whistle-blower gaslighting, and possible sources of support for victims of whistle-blower gaslighting are provided.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0893-2190",
doi="10.1097/JPN.0000000000000306",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JPN.0000000000000306"
}