APA Dictionary of Psychology

a symptom pattern characterized by withdrawal, apathy, submissiveness, and progressive social and vocational impairment in response to significant social or environmental stressors, such as long-term incarceration or chronic mental or physical illness. Previously considered to be symptomatic of mental illness, this decline is now attributed to internalized negative stereotypes, such as identification with the sick role and the impact of labeling (see labeling theory); the absence of social support; and institutional factors such as a lack of stimulation, overcrowding, unchanging routine, and disinterest on the part of staff. Also called chronicity; institutionalism; institutional neurosis; social disability syndrome.