why do psychologists and psychiatrists focus on disorder instead of developing human potential?

Question

It seems hard to find "popular" literature based on solid science, that's aimed at helping normal people get the most out of our minds - aka "human potential" If I search for this info, I get a lot of NLP, positive self talk, motivational stuff - how do I separate out the good stuff?

Answer 1

The problem is that it's all "fuzzy" science.

It's easier to treat disorders. Not only are people wanting to get better, but you can test different treatments and specifically be able to see what works better than someone else. Everyone agrees usually as to when a "sickness" is "cured."

But people do not necessarily agree on what the "best" sort of person would be -- the peak of human potential. And everyone is very different personality-wise, so different treatments affect them differently. There is no hard science on this, it's VERY fuzzy at best.

The stuff you're talking about IS discussed in the mediums you've mentioned. It's what pop psychologists and motivational speakers do -- they promote an image of a healthy or successful person and talk about ways to get there.

Religion also deals with this, by presenting the picture of what a "highly spiritual" human being looks like, then offering steps on how to get there.

How do you sort out the good stuff?

1. Look at what seems common to DIFFERENT types of people -- so it seems more universal than confined to a single temperament.

2. Experience your own life. See what works for you, what satisfies you on a deep level. You don't want to "abstract" this, you need to make it personal because your life and growth is personal.

3. Ask other people's advice (people you admire) on what has worked for them.

Again, you'll find some studies described in mass media articles. (ABCNews ran one last year about how people seem to flower best in environments with a bit of mystery and enough of a challenge to grab their attention but not so difficult that they feel powerless to do anything.) Studies such as that will help give you broad ideas at least about human potential and best conditions.

But if you're looking for an "engineering" type, tit-for-tat, thorough maintenance guide for human beings and actualization, you're not going to find one. It's just not that sort of process.

Answer 2

I don't really understand your question - maybe you should clarify. Are you a person who believe that mental disorders don't exist? Most of the people who seek out the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist are suffering from a mental illness that requires treatment just as much as an illness such as cancer would. And pretty much every person in the world has some form of a mental disorder, however mild, so that is why these professionals focus on treating them.

The truth about the brain and science is that so much is still understood, so most treatments are rooted in trial and error based on speculation and estimates. I don't think you're going to find a scientist who can state s/he knows how to meet the highest human potential because the evidence just isn't there. Instead, you'll probably find a lot of crap written by new age or religious thinkers who will base brain behaviors in god. Sad, but true.

Answer 3

It depends on what type of psychology they practice. Counseling/clinical psychologists and psychiatrists are billed by the medical profession to diagnose and treat disorders. These books are the most popular because publishers find that that's what sells.

Other areas of psychology that you might be interested in are realms of social, applied, applied social, personality, educational, industrial/organizational (aka "I/O"), and several others. These topics aren't widely published on in a popular literature way because publishers don't believe they will sell as readily as the other types of books. However, academic journals have information you'd find interesting. Some are easily read by general consumers, while some is better left to the experts.

Try search google for one of these types of psychology and other keywords that interest you to see if you can find bigger names in the field. Usually their websites are tailored to either the scientists or the consumer, so it will take some searching.

Separating out the good stuff is another matter entirely. See if any of the reports have data that backs it up. Better psychologists will publish data from experiments performed.

I do know that the University of Central Florida has an educational psychologist that studies motivation in schools. That's all I know off the top of my head.

Good luck!

Answer 4

The reason so many focus on disorders is that once a label has been affixed the doctor then can work form there on the right treatment method. The self-help positive motivation books only are good to a point, one if you are open to it and if it is the right healing method for yourself. Self-diagnosis is not reccomended because the human mind and body is a complex entity that with the varing levels and layers of the brain and its cognitive functions it can easily be damaged by the wrong treatment. It is the safe method to promote self-help through simple tasks but as for expanding human potential you should look at archives of older books. I wish you good luck and I hope you are able tio find the help that you are looking for.

Answer 5

The problem is that the most popular literature on the subject usually only has a casual relationship with science. If you want Oprahesque, feel good think happy thoughts books there are tons of them. If you want actual researched ideas about the subject it gets more limited. Look up Abraham Maslow. He developed the concept of self actualization as the highest stage of development. A book by him or using his theories would be some pretty good stuff.

Answer 6

the focus of your question and the details you have added, are somewhat different, there are two questions actually. so let's deal with the first point. as physicians and surgeons have to deal with the malady, by medicines and surgery, so the shrinks and therapists have to treat the sick mind of the patient first. potential comes afterwards. when you are sick, you can't relish your food, something like that. when the progress to normalcy is established, an individual performs better. as far as the point you have raised about the books is concerned, it's more the practical experience that would help you, than any no. of books, any day. books are good to a point. explore, experiment, write down your observations, may be one day you would write a book youself! as human behaviour is a very complex phenomenon, it's difficult to find some solid stuff as you say, then why not read sigmund freud, who wrote books on solid experienceby conducting research? his studies are in this age and period also very relevent and serve as a guideline to all concerned.

Answer 7

DIAGNOSING disorders keeps them in a job. Fixing them quickly (NLP) does not.

My advice is not to just trust written word, speak to people, professionals who deal with this, form a variety of disciplines, and then make up your mind.

Psychologists have to put things in a box in order to understand them. Whereas the Human mind is the most complex and unfathomable thing ever, that is why NLP has had some great success, it does not deal with the complexity but the simplicity.

Change never had to be difficult did it?

Answer 8

Well, i suppose it's like most fields (human nature i suppose) that it is always easier to tell someone what is wrong, with their particular circumstances, than it is to shed some light on it .
Look at the divorce rate and how high it is, i always hear, even trained proffesionals eg. docters, lawyers, hell even minsters, advise people to get a divorce whenever there is a problem rather than trying to work it and showing someone how to do so, but i guess that takes to much time and effort. You know, show them how to cope with difficulties rather than running from them.
And as far as trying to discern what is good and what isn't youll recieve a million different answers on that and there is so so much stuff out there, its just gets more and more confusing with every search. And it seems that every day there is a new method out there too, so it just comes down to you really, and by continuing to search, I'm sure that you'll stumble on something good for yourself.

Answer 9

" I think it is because so many people think it is easier to medicate instead of take the time to find what each individual is saying or needing. If they don't have the time to listsen or simply are in the field for the money only, they need to leave the job. " Human potential is something we all have but people just don't take the time to dig in deep and help. It is all about the MONEY for most and I am with you on this..... Communication is the key to much great success in each one of us.... Listening to what one is really saying and growing and finding solutions that work............. "Monkey man falls into the category of not seeing people for who they are, it is a real lack of respect for humankind." Sad to say lots of people are just like him... " If he can't help, more than getting someone to a grocery store he is doing something wrong and needs to look at what he can do differently, it sounds as though he gives up before it even begins.... " Positive motivation is the key."

Answer 10

Insurance only pays the psychologists if you have a disorder, it's sad yet true, I was studying to become a marriage and family therapist and that's what we were told in my ethics class. Developing human potential doesn't pay the therapist, unless you're paying out of pocket. What kind of a crappy set up is that?! That's why I bailed, I don't want to be cheating people who need genuine help!