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Comparing the Experiential Constructivist Diagnostic System and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Testing an alternative to the medicalization of human distress

Pavlo, Anthony John
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1218492592

Abstract Details

2008, Master of Arts, Miami University, Psychology.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision (DSM; APA, 2000) has a monopoly on conceptualizing human pain and distress. While many authors have criticized the DSM on a number of fronts, the DSM continues to dominate and few viable alternatives that overcome these critiques have been promoted. This paper reports on one such alternative, the Experiential Constructivist Diagnostic System (Leitner, Faidley & Celentana, 2000), and a qualitative research study that compared participants' perceptions of their DSM and experiential constructivist diagnoses. I provided four participants who had experienced severe relational injuries with both their experiential constructivist and DSM diagnoses. After receiving the diagnoses, participants then discussed their understandings of the diagnoses. Participants not only found the experiential constructivist diagnosis more accurate but also found the experiential constructivist diagnosis more respectful and useful, as it allowed them to access deeper emotional struggles.
Larry M. Leitner, PhD (Advisor)
Roger M. Knudson, PhD (Committee Member)
Christopher R. Wellin, PhD (Committee Member)
246 p.
Psychology; Psychotherapy
Experiential Personal Construct Psychotherapy; Diagnosis; DSM; Qualitative Research

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Pavlo, A. J. (2008). Comparing the Experiential Constructivist Diagnostic System and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Testing an alternative to the medicalization of human distress [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1218492592

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Pavlo, Anthony. Comparing the Experiential Constructivist Diagnostic System and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Testing an alternative to the medicalization of human distress. 2008. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1218492592.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Pavlo, Anthony. "Comparing the Experiential Constructivist Diagnostic System and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Testing an alternative to the medicalization of human distress." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1218492592

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.