Lay conceptions of mental disorder: The folk psychiatry model
Haslam, Nick Ban, Lauren Kaufmann, Leah Mary
Haslam, Nick
Ban, Lauren
Kaufmann, Leah Mary
Abstract
This article presents a theoretical model of laypeople's conceptions of mental disorder that is intended to serve as a basis for research and practice. This “folk psychiatry” model proposes that mental disorders, and other forms of psychological deviancy, are understood in terms of four underlying dimensions. Each dimension has a distinct cognitive underpinning, which is grounded in recent social psychological research and theory. Research evidence supporting the model is laid out, and implications of the model for public attitudes towards people suffering from mental disorders are discussed. The model offers a number of conceptual and practical advantages in an area where psychological theory has often been lacking.
Keywords
Date
2007
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australian Psychologist
Book
Volume
42
Issue
2
Page Range
129-137
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences