SAGE Journal Articles

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Article 1: Understanding Psychopathology: Melding Behavior Genetics, Personality, and Quantitative Psychology to Develop an Empirically Based Model

Abstract: Research on psychopathology is at a historical crossroads. New technologies offer the promise of lasting advances in our understanding of the causes of human psychological suffering. Making the best use of these technologies, however, requires an empirically accurate model of psychopathology. Much current research is framed by the model of psychopathology portrayed in current versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM; American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Although the modern DSMs have been fundamental in advancing psychopathology research, recent research also challenges some assumptions made in the DSM—for example, the assumption that all forms of psychopathology are well conceived of as discrete categories. Psychological science has a critical role to play in working through the implications of this research and the challenges it presents. In particular, behavior-genetic, personality, and quantitative-psychological research perspectives can be melded to inform the development of an empirically based model of psychopathology that would constitute an evolution of the DSM.

Questions to Consider:

  1. In what ways does current research challenge the DSM-5?
  2. What are the implications of this research?
  3. How can different perspectives be integrated into a new model of psychopathology?
     

Article 2: Enlightened or Delusional? Differentiating Religious, Spiritual, and Transpersonal Experiences from Psychopathology

Abstract: Psychological diagnosis faces unique challenges when used to differentiate nonpsychopathological religious/spiritual/transpersonal (R/S/T) experiences from those that might evidence psychopathology, particularly considering the diversity of such experiences and the value-laden assumptions inherent in most diagnostic practices. Theoretical and pragmatic problems related to the diagnostic category, Religious and Spiritual Problem, as contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are discussed. Attention is paid to identifying potential biases and errors in using, or failing to use, this diagnostic category, particularly as related to developing culturally sensitive diagnoses. Specific methods, including psychometric approaches, for evaluating R/S/T experiences that may range from healthy to psychopathological are reviewed and recommendations are presented for improving current diagnostic practices and furthering needed research.

Questions to Consider:

  1. What are some of the challenges inherent to distinguishing psychopathology from religious/spiritual/transpersonal experiences?
  2. What are some of the theoretical and pragmatic problems for these experiences in the DSM?
  3. How can psychologists avoid bias when considering culturally sensitive R/S/T experiences?