A Personal Conceptualization of Psychopathology
Psychopathology as a Statistical Deviance
Psychopathology can be conceptualized as a deviation from what is considered to be statistical psychological normality. It involves the manifestation of deviant and infrequent behavior. This kind of conceptualization tends to make sense to many people. It enables them to use the term psychopathology in order to refer to infrequent human behaviors and experiences, such as paranoid delusions, hearing of voices and among other psychological phenomena (Maddux & Winstead, 2005). It is also important to note that this particular conceptualization tends to enjoy scientific respectability. It makes use of a scientifically accepted method of measuring normality of a given behavior. The first step of this method involves determining what is considered to be statistically normal (Maddux & Winstead, 2005). The second step involves determining how a given psychological phenomenon deviates from what is regarded as statistical normality.
Psychopathology as a Social Deviance
Psychopathology can also be conceptualized as a kind of behavior which deviates from the social and cultural norms of the society. This particular conceptualization makes use of cultural and social conventions and rules in judging a behavior as being a deviation from the normality (Maddux & Winstead, 2005). This is unlike in the case of the conceptualization of psychopathology as a statistical deviation. Conceptualizing psychopathology as social deviance is not based on psychological measures and tests.
Psychopathology as a Maladaptive Behavior
Psychopathology can also be considered as the manifestation of behaviors and actions which are maladaptive or dysfunctional. In this sense, the term "maladaptive" is used to refer to the ineffectiveness of an individual's behaviors and actions. In contrast, the term adaptive is used to refer to the effectiveness of individuals' behaviors and actions. If a given behavior or action fails to work for an individual in order to enable him or her deal with certain challenges and accomplish his or her goals, that behavior is said to be maladaptive (Maddux & Winstead, 2005). However, if a behavior or an action works for an individual and enables him or her to deal with certain challenges and accomplish his or her goals, then it is said to be adaptive (Maddux & Winstead, 2005).
Psychopathology as a Form of Mental Distress
Psychotherapy can also be conceptualized as a kind of mental distress. Distress in this sense refers to the unpleasant feelings, such as sadness, anxiety, anger and among others (Maddux & Winstead, 2005). Persons seek treatment due to this emotional turmoil which interferes with their normal mental functioning. It prevents them from accomplishing their goals in life. This turmoil inhibits their self-efficacy skills, self-regulatory skills, physiological components and situational opportunities that can help them in making positive changes in their lives.
Psychopathology as a Dyscontrol
Psychopathology can also be conceptualized as a form of dyscontrol characterized by maladaptive patterns of thinking, behaving and feeling. This particular dyscontrol affects an individual's ability to control himself or herself. Therefore, if an individual voluntarily exhibits a maladaptive behavior which is likely to lead to self destruction, such a person should is probably suffering from a mental disorder (Maddux & Winstead, 2005). In this case, the term "mental disorder" is used to show that what is happening to the affected person is not within his or her control.
Psychopathology as a Harmful Dysfunction
Psychopathology can also be conceptualized as a harmful kind of dysfunction. In this case, the term "harmful" has value connotations based on social conventions and norms (Maddux & Winstead, 2005). The term "dysfunction" has scientific connotations based on the failure of the mental mechanism to carry out its natural function (Maddux & Winstead, 2005). A disorder thus occurs when an individual's mental mechanisms fail to perform their natural functions. This harms the individual's well-being as defined by social norms and conventions.
A Theory of Psychopathology: Psychosynthesis
Psychosynthesis is a theory of psychopathology which was put forward by an Italian psychiatrist called Roberto Assagioli. Assagioli felt that Freudian psychoanalysis failed to address all aspects of human experience. As a result, he came up with a comprehensive approach to the process of human growth. Psychosynthesis helps people to discover their true spiritual nature and make use of this discovery effectively in their daily lives (Firman & Gila, 2002). Therefore, psychosynthesis helps people with psychological problems to realize their creative potential and make use of it in increasing their ability to function properly and relate with other people effectively (Firman & Gila, 2002).
As a type of psychotherapy, psychosynthesis incorporates varioustechniques and physical activities which help people to overcome unwanted psychological experiences in life (Firman & Gila, 2002). Therefore, psychosynthesis is not just a theory. It is also a practical method which integrates various techniques derived from various approaches to human growth. Unlike other kinds of therapies, psychosynthesis does not define the "ideal" person one should become (Firman & Gila, 2002). What matters is that one should become what he or she wants to be like. Therefore, psychosynthesis emphasizes on being able to become what one wants to be based on the internal sense of self and that of purpose.
What distinguishes psychosynthesis from other forms of psychotherapy is that it studies an individual with psychological problems as both a personality and a soul (Firman & Gila, 2002). It emphasizes on the value of inspiration, creative insight and intuition. While it concentrates on personality, psychosynthesis also makes use of mystical doctrines. However, it needs to be pointed out that psychosynthesis never imposes belief systems on the individual who is using it. It is not a form of religion. Due to this factor, it is suitable for followers of all faiths, including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Pagans and among others.
Psychosynthesis enables an individual to know and understand "himself" or "herself" (Firman & Gila, 2002). It distinguishes an individual from the collective level. On the other hand, psychosynthesis enables an individual to understand himself or herself in relation to "other" individuals in the society. Psychosynthesis thus honors both an individual and the kind of group which he or she is part of (Firman & Gila, 2002). It never puts an individual above other people. Psychosynthesis thus requires people to make use of their powers and wishes without harming others in the society.
Conclusion
The term psychopathology has no specific definition since it can be conceptualized in many different ways. It can be used to refer to a statistical deviance, a social deviance, a maladaptive behavior, a mental distress, a dyscontrol or a harmful dysfunction. Any form of conceptualization adopted should try to distinguish the kind of human experiences and psychological phenomena considered to be psychopathological and the ones that cannot be considered as such. One of the main theories of psychopathology is the psychosynthesis theory. This particular theory is in the form of a therapy that enables people to realize their true spiritual nature and use of it to function effectively in their lives. This theory thus enables one to understand psychopathology in terms of therapeutic aspects. Reference by my professor Ann Gila is below.
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