How are Psychological Disorders Perceived and Addressed in Psychological Settings vs. Religious Communities?

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Andrea Ham

Psychology and Religion

How are Psychological Disorders Perceived and Addressed

in Psychological Settings vs. Religious Communities?

        

        The question of how psychological disorders are perceived and addressed through a psychological lens versus a religious lens is vital to the maintenance of a mentally healthy and stable society. In some communities, mental illness is stigmatized and connotes a negative stereotype in the eyes of the public. In some Chinese communities, for instance, mental illness is considered a punishment that resulted from the sins of one’s ancestors. In the Ultra-Orthodox community, mental illness is also stigmatized in a manner that lowers one’s social stature and affects various aspects of one’s life such as being chosen for an arranged marriage. Due to the existence of these societal pressures, people may feel socially burdened to such an extent that they will refuse to seek treatment due to their anxiety of admitting that they are plagued with such a disease. In fact, it has been discovered in recent research that ultra-Orthodox Jews share a tendency in the avoidance of attending mental health clinics due to their fear of being stigmatized by their community. (Greenberg & Witzum, 2001)

A similar trend can be found in religious Christian communities in which prior to the 18th century, individuals suffering from mental illness were cast away as pariahs and treated with fear and neglect. There was a general belief in the notion of mental illness being caused by a separation from God and the control of demonic possession. While Christian societies have matured since this time period, a stigma against psychological disorders still remains within the community whether it can be attributed to a fundamental lack of understanding or longstanding stereotypes (against the victims of the disorders or the predominantly secular therapists who treat them) which haven’t completely disappeared.

From a different perspective, it is also necessary to learn and understand the ways in which a religious framework judges mental illness in order to gain knowledge of how to properly treat a patient who resides within that type of community. “Research suggests that if the therapist does not integrate therapeutic solutions that take into account religious values, then effective outcomes may be temporary and benefits can be restricted.” (Kuyken, Brewin, Power & Furnham, 1992) In Judaism, the Torah says that man was made in the image of God. However, this matter brings into question the theories that religion would set forth in order to explain how a human being could be created in the image of perfection yet suffer from a sickness that dissipates the mind and social interaction. We must investigate the matter from both perspectives of psychology and religion in order to truly grasp the ways in which psychological disorders are dealt with in each domain and by doing so, we can seek more efficient and culturally-sensitive approaches to helping those who are mentally ill in ways that will not only benefit their medical needs but will also refrain from ostracizing them from their community.

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        In investigating the practices and techniques utilized by numerous modern Christian healers, the most frequently used include prayer, scripture reading, receiving sacraments and being an active participant in the Christian community which is believed to help the healing process by providing moral support. (Loewenthal & Cinnirella, 1999) The question in this case remains whether or not individuals residing within this community turn to their healers for assistance due to potential knowledge of the success rates various healers have obtained in regard to their curing methods or as a result of their distrust of the secular nature of psychotherapy. This matter ...

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