Abstract

VASCONCELOS, Isabel; LINS, Samuel Lincoln Bezerra; VARGAS, Geovana Camargo  and  RIBEIRO, Karla Carolina S.. Conceptions of madness in a historical and cultural route: an association with Social Constructionism. Mental [online]. 2010, vol.8, n.14, pp. 49-63. ISSN 1679-4427.

This article, aware of different conceptions of madness by historical and cultural factors, aims to discuss certain issues, articulating them with theoretical position of Social Constructionism. That prospect culturally oriented suggests the strong influence of contextual, social, economic and geographical factors, putting in focus its pragmatic, partial and relativist feature. Thus, we will present some considerations about Social Constructionism, and discuss some conceptions of madness. As a secondary goal, we aim to weaken the universal posture about these phenomena, emphasizing how it can impose limitations on mental health professionals, and thus to patients.

Keywords : Mental illness; Historical perspective; Cultural perspective; Social Constructionism; Mental health expanded conception.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish | French     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )