THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF MADNESS

Written By Rebecca Sylvia

If you observed me sitting alone, quietly muttering to myself, you would probably conclude that I was unwell. But if you then noticed my hands were clasped and my eyes closed, you would just as readily decide I was praying.

Should I confess to hearing voices, the diagnosis might be schizophrenia—unless I describe that voice as God. In that case, the response is likely to be one of respect, even reverence.

As Thomas Szasz observed, the difference lies not in the experience itself, but in the social interpretation placed upon it. One individual is labelled psychotic; another is regarded as devout. Both are addressing an unseen presence, convinced of being heard.

Szasz maintained that the boundary is not clinical but cultural. Society determines which convictions are to be deemed sacred and which are to be treated as symptoms of mental disorder. One set of beliefs is institutionalised as illness; another is consecrated as faith—not on the basis of evidence, but according to prevailing norms and social convention.

What, then, separates the prophet from the patient? Is it the content of the belief, the state of the mind, or merely the degree of collective sanction?

#ThomasSzasz #Schizophrenia #SocialConstructionism #SanityAndMadness #Hallucinations

Rebecca Sylvia

I am a Londoner with over 30 years of experience teaching psychology at A-Level, IB, and undergraduate levels. Throughout my career, I’ve taught in more than 40 establishments across the UK and internationally, including Spain, Lithuania, and Cyprus. My teaching has been consistently recognised for its high success rates, and I’ve also worked as a consultant in education, supporting institutions in delivering exceptional psychology programmes.

I’ve written various psychology materials and articles, focusing on making complex concepts accessible to students and educators. In addition to teaching, I’ve published peer-reviewed research in the field of eating disorders.

My career began after earning a degree in Psychology and a master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience. Over the years, I’ve combined my academic foundation with hands-on teaching and leadership roles, including serving as Head of Social Sciences.

Outside of my professional life, I have two children and enjoy a variety of interests, including skiing, hiking, playing backgammon, and podcasting. These pursuits keep me curious, active, and grounded—qualities I bring into my teaching and consultancy work. My personal and professional goals include inspiring curiosity about human behaviour, supporting educators, and helping students achieve their full potential.

https://psychstory.co.uk
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