Psychopathology through the Eyes of Faith: Integrative Reflections for the Classroom and Beyond

The Study of the Calamities of the Soul We approach the study of psychopathology in these terms: "the study of the calamities of the soul," by which we mean that students are learning how to assess, treat, and prevent concerns that affect the whole person, the embodied soul. Stated differently, something is lost in the study of psychopathology when we focus only on deviance, dysfunction, danger, or distress (i.e., the traditional understanding of abnormal behavior). Rather, we see the study of psychopathology as the emotional and psychological struggles of persons that affect all dimensions of human beings. This definition comes from the Greek word for psych (psukhe), meaning breath or spirit, suggesting more than just the mind (but including mental processes), and pathology, suggesting the scientific study of deviations from a healthy or normal state or condition. Today, it is more common for the scientific study of psychopathology to focus on deviance, dysfunction, danger, and distress (i.e., the "4 Ds" in many contemporary textbooks). These are certainly important for the conversation, but it seems most appropriate for a faith-based discussion to begin with a broader understanding of the soul so that we can remind ourselves and our students that we are taking a holistic view of the person in the service of the well-being of the soul. The definition we have chosen--the study of the calamities of the soul--has the potential to offer greater humility and honesty, and a deeper respect for humanity, into our explorations in the classroom and beyond. To the traditional emphasis on the 4Ds, we would like to add that psychopathology could also be seen as an expression of "disordered desires" or urges and longings that have gone awry. The Assessment, Treatment and Prevention of Mental Illness In our approach to teaching psychopathology, whether to an audience of undergraduate or graduate and professional-level students, we focus on three key domains: (a) the assessment, classification and diagnosis of mental illness; (b) the effective treatment of psychopathology; and (c) exploring strategies for reducing the intensity, duration or frequency of disordered desire (prevention). We want our students to be able to describe the key symptoms (What is going on to offer reasonable explanations for their etiology and maintenance (Why is this happening?), to be able to explore available treatment options (What might be helpful for healing and growth?), and to offer creative and informed responses to risk reduction in the future (What might be some preventive options?). Unfortunately, the traditional focus in many psychopathology courses is primarily on learning the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM; APA, 2013) typology regarding the assessment, classification and diagnosis of mental illness. For us, we strongly advocate the need for an "ethical" response (What are the implications for our Christian zvorldview and life style?). Consequently, we strive to balance solid course content (insight) with a sharp focus on relevant implications for servant-practitioner-scholars (Jones & Butman, 2011). Historical and Contemporary Understanding of the Subject Area In our previous work (Yarhouse, Butman, & McRay, 2005), we noted that there has been a segregation of the soul that took place when the church abdicated its responsibilities in working holistically with the soul by having mental concerns addressed solely and exclusively by mental health professionals. There is a rich tradition of pastoral care and spiritual formation that could deeply inform contemporary discussions. We see some developments in this area with greater emphasis on Spiritual Direction today, even to the extent of specific degree programs. The positive psychology movement has also offered some helpful insights that compliment these developments. Indeed, psychology, theology, and spiritual formation are all potential contributors to the dialogue (McMinn & Campbell, 2006). …