Infantilisation
Infantilisation is the process of treating an adult as though they are a child by
unnecessarily limiting their independence, decision-making, autonomy or
responsibilities. This may involve using patronising language, making decisions
on a person's behalf without appropriate justification, overprotecting them or
assuming they lack the ability to understand or participate in decisions about
their own lives. Infantilisation can occur at an interpersonal level through
everyday interactions or at a structural level through organisational policies and
practices. Within social work, recognising and avoiding infantilisation is essential
because it promotes dignity, human rights, self-determination and person-
centred practice (Thompson, 2020).
The concept of infantilisation has developed through research in psychology,
sociology, disability studies and gerontology. It emerged from concerns that
certain groups, particularly older adults, people with disabilities and individuals
experiencing mental ill health, were frequently treated as dependent or
incapable regardless of their actual abilities. Researchers argued that these
attitudes often reflected social stereotypes rather than objective assessments of
a person's capacity or needs. Infantilisation therefore became recognised as a
form of discrimination that can reinforce inequality, reduce autonomy and
undermine an individual's confidence and sense of identity (Nelson, 2005).
Infantilisation is closely associated with ageism and ableism. Ageist assumptions
may lead professionals or family members to believe that older adults are
incapable of making decisions or managing daily activities, while ableist
attitudes may result in people with disabilities being viewed as permanently
dependent or lacking competence. These assumptions can influence
communication, assessment and decision making, even when individuals have
the ability to express their wishes and participate actively in their own care.
Consequently, practitioners are encouraged to assess each person's abilities
individually rather than relying on stereotypes associated with age or disability.
Research has demonstrated that infantilisation can have significant
psychological and social consequences. Individuals who are consistently treated
as incapable may experience reduced self-esteem, loss of confidence, increased
dependence and social withdrawal. Over time, opportunities to make decisions
and develop independence may diminish, reinforcing the perception that the
individual requires greater support than is actually necessary. This cycle can
Infantilisation is the process of treating an adult as though they are a child by
unnecessarily limiting their independence, decision-making, autonomy or
responsibilities. This may involve using patronising language, making decisions
on a person's behalf without appropriate justification, overprotecting them or
assuming they lack the ability to understand or participate in decisions about
their own lives. Infantilisation can occur at an interpersonal level through
everyday interactions or at a structural level through organisational policies and
practices. Within social work, recognising and avoiding infantilisation is essential
because it promotes dignity, human rights, self-determination and person-
centred practice (Thompson, 2020).
The concept of infantilisation has developed through research in psychology,
sociology, disability studies and gerontology. It emerged from concerns that
certain groups, particularly older adults, people with disabilities and individuals
experiencing mental ill health, were frequently treated as dependent or
incapable regardless of their actual abilities. Researchers argued that these
attitudes often reflected social stereotypes rather than objective assessments of
a person's capacity or needs. Infantilisation therefore became recognised as a
form of discrimination that can reinforce inequality, reduce autonomy and
undermine an individual's confidence and sense of identity (Nelson, 2005).
Infantilisation is closely associated with ageism and ableism. Ageist assumptions
may lead professionals or family members to believe that older adults are
incapable of making decisions or managing daily activities, while ableist
attitudes may result in people with disabilities being viewed as permanently
dependent or lacking competence. These assumptions can influence
communication, assessment and decision making, even when individuals have
the ability to express their wishes and participate actively in their own care.
Consequently, practitioners are encouraged to assess each person's abilities
individually rather than relying on stereotypes associated with age or disability.
Research has demonstrated that infantilisation can have significant
psychological and social consequences. Individuals who are consistently treated
as incapable may experience reduced self-esteem, loss of confidence, increased
dependence and social withdrawal. Over time, opportunities to make decisions
and develop independence may diminish, reinforcing the perception that the
individual requires greater support than is actually necessary. This cycle can
