The DSM: mindful science or mindless power? A critical review.
Bassam Khoury, Ellen J. Langer, Francesco Pagnini
Frontiers in Psychology June 17, 2014 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00602 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Pathology Utility Normality Dsm Mindless |
| Key findings | Argues that the DSM's scientific bases and utility are questionable and that it holds excessive influence over psychiatric classification. The authors contend that the boundaries between "normality" and "pathology" are problematic and recommend adding alternative perspectives such as mindfulness and positive psychology, along with mindfulness training in psychiatric residency and clinical psychology programs. |
Abstract
In this paper we review the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental health (DSM), its scientific bases and utility. The concepts of "normality," "pathology," and boundaries between them are critically reviewed. We further use the concepts of mindfulness and mindlessness, and evidence from cognitive and social sciences to investigate the DSM clinical and social impact and we argue against its assigned overpower. We recommend including alternative perspectives to the DSM, such as mindfulness and positive psychology. We also argue for including mindfulness training in psychiatric residency and clinical psychology programs.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Loving-kindness meditation increases social connectedness. Emotion October 1, 2008
- Examination of the factor structure and concurrent validity of the Langer Mindfulness/Mindlessness Scale. Assessment October 27, 2010
- Promoting mindfulness in psychotherapists in training influences the treatment results of their patients: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 2007