Spoiled Identity Theory

From the study of health and social care conditions it has been possible for medical specialists and professionals to create theories in which practitioners can draw an impact and comprehension of a client's circumstance. Such understandings may offer some pragmatic outcomes for enhancing certain individual results. Psychologists have found that people with disabilities often differentiate themselves and have trouble to feel connected within their wider society (K217, book 2, p28). This is highly confirmed by many disabled people of being excluded and outside the norm. Furthermore, these groups are often working to minimize the negative features to avoid being pushed to the margins of society. It is said in the case study that Peter always felt 'different', never fitting in, based on how his surrounding perceived health. Goffmann uses the term "Spoiled identity" to refer to an individual that is disqualified, or not fully accepted by the social world.

In the 1960s, Goffmann identifies three categories of stigma: abomination of the body(physical disabilities), blemishes of Individual character and (moral failings) and tribal stigma (religion, race, ethnicity). (K217, book 2, p10-13).
Goffmann defines stigma as an attitude, behavior, or facette of an individual that is rather disturbing or socially discrediting and which can be classified by the surrounding world. Often stigmatised people are said to be a burden or show potentially dangers to others.
Goffmans work explains that individuals can sometimes be stereotyped in society. The medical ethicist Tom I. Beauchamp and James F. Childress (1989) developed a principle that of ´autonomy". From the perspective of medical ethics, the patient is an autonomous, self-determined individual and therefore has the right to decide what happens to him. The autonomy principle admits any person the right to have his own views, to make his own decisions and to perform actions that correspond to the values of its own. According to Beauchamp and Childress they define autonomy ‘at a minimum, self-rule that is free from both controlling interference by others and from certain limitations such as inadequate understanding that prevents meaningful choice. The autonomous individual can act freely in accordance with a self-chosen plan’ (K217, book 4, p.39-40).
In fact people with disabilities, like Peter are sometimes unable to make decisions due to their health conditions. In the past, Peter already faced depression and anxiety attacks which explains his low mood swings. A person-centred approach to care focuses on an individual’s recovery process, needs and goals which would put Peter in the centre of this process so that he can achieve his ‘autonomy’:
•Listening to what Peter has to say
• Treating him with respect
• Communicating honestly
• Relating to him as an individual and acknowledging different parts of his identity
• Focusing on what people can do, rather than what they cannot do (K217, book 2, p51)

The case study of Peter implicates that he was recently diagnosed with autism, which leaves him at a new stage of his life. Identifying himself through illness will help him to determine who he is. Herzlich and William's (2010, p. 33-35) concept of illness will help Peter and his surrounding of people to understand how Peter defines himself through his illness, taking into account the long and devastating struggle which Peter had to go through before being diagnosed correctly. One of William's five premises, "Illness as controlled by normal living", sets a high focus on carrying on a "normal" life, in Peter's case with being diagnosed he will maybe be able to experience a new workplace, which will give him a new goal in life.