Abstract

FAVERO, Sofia  and  KVELLER, Daniel Boianovsky. Psychology with Adjectives?. Estud. pesqui. psicol. [online]. 2022, vol.22, n.spe, pp.1499-1517.  Epub May 27, 2024. ISSN 1808-4281.  https://doi.org/10.12957/epp.2022.71758.

This article analyzes recent initiatives that have challenged the field of clinical psychology from the perspective of social markers of difference, especially those that have “incorporated adjectives” to oppose the supposed neutrality of conventional psychology (feminist psychology, black psychology, affirmative psychotherapies, etc.). First, the article describes some of these initiatives, identifies their objectives, and points out their oppositional strategies. Then, building on a compilation of criticisms targeted at identity politics in different historical moments, it lists possible challenges, limits, and risks involved in these new proposals: are “adjectivated psychologies” a new form of essentialism? Can they avoid the uncritical reproduction of normativities in clinical practices? What kind of therapeutic promises are conveyed by these psychologies when they incorporate adjectives? In an attempt to avoid paranoid readings, which either prematurely welcome these initiatives or reject them under accusations of essentialism, this article seeks to consider their effects as new technologies of subjectivation in the field on mental health. Finally, the authors offer their own opinion on the subject and suggest directions for further investigations.

Keywords : psychology; politics; identity; difference..

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