Re-thinking diagnosis

Research suggests that diagnoses can be experienced as helpful by some individuals, providing access to specialist treatment, and a sense of understanding. However, being labelled with a mental health problem can produce feelings of helplessness and self-stigma, as well as problems associated with discrimination (Brohan et al, 2012). 

The aim of this practice-led research project is to contribute to existing knowledge surrounding the concept of diagnosis through a studio-based practice, which utilizes on campus resources. In doing so, the project will further strengthen the connection between artistic research and the medical humanities at Falmouth University, by providing a strong conceptual basis for researchers, from different disciplines, to consider the impact of non-diagnostic artistic methods.

This project is set against a backdrop that aims to help individuals understand their mental health experiences, and enable them to make changes, or accept who they are, by adopting the hypothesis that it is better to see ourselves as people with individual and shared human attributes. Moreover, the artistic research project will aim to provide health professionals with an expanded knowledge of disorder, and a new vision which debates ideals surrounding being diagnosed.

In doing so, the artistic research will confront ideas of helplessness and self-stigma, as well as problems associated with discrimination, by representing human attributes that are positive and accessible.

Indicative Bibliography

Barrett E & Bolt B (2010) (eds) Practice As Research Approaches to Creative Arts Enquiry. London and New York: I.B Tauris
Brohan, E., Henderson, C., Wheat, K., Malcolm, E., Clement, S., Barley, E. A., . . . Thornicroft, G. (2012). Systematic review of beliefs, behaviours and influencing factors associated with disclosure of a mental health problem in the workplace. BMC Psychiatry,12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-12-11
De Silva, P (2004) 'The Phenomenology Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder', in Menzies R.G and Silva P.D. (ed.) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Theory, Research and Treatment. Chichester, England: Wiley & Sons.
De-Silva, P & Rachman, S (2006) (eds) (3rd edn) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, The Facts. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Klonsky, E.D. (2007) 'The functions of deliberate self-injury: A review of the evidence', Clinical Psychology Review, 27, pp226-239
iss, M. and Polk, E. (2007) 'Psychological characteristics of self-injurious behaviour', Personality and Individual Differences, 43, pp 567-577