In a psychiatric setting, which response to the statement 'Everyone here hates me' is best for the nurse to give?

• A. I can't speak for the other people, but I don't hate you.
• B. No, they do not hate you.
• C. Just don't pay attention to what others think of you.
• D. What did you do to make others not like you?

Answer: (A)

In therapeutic communication, respond in a way that validates the patient’s feelings while staying honest and setting a boundary. When a patient says “Everyone here hates me,” the best reply is to acknowledge the distress and offer a personal, nonjudgmental stance rather than arguing about others’ beliefs. Saying “I can’t speak for the other people, but I don’t hate you” does exactly that. It shows empathy for the patient’s fear, provides reassurance from the nurse’s own position, and avoids challenging the patient’s perception about others. It also keeps the door open for Trust and further discussion.

The other responses either deny the patient’s experience, tell them to ignore concerns, or blame them for why others might dislike them—these can shut down rapport, increase defensiveness, or invalidate the patient. This approach preserves the therapeutic relationship and supports safety by encouraging continued dialogue.