Date of Award
Fall 9-18-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
PHD - Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Counseling & Psychology
First Advisor
Peiwei Li
Second Advisor
Rakhshanda Saleem
Third Advisor
Christopher Gordon
Abstract
This dissertation critically examines the role of psychiatric discourse in shaping the sense of belonging among individuals labeled as mentally ill. Using Critical Discourse Analysis and drawing on Foucault’s theories of power and knowledge alongside Patricia Hill Collins' matrix of domination, this study explores how psychiatric discourse—rooted in supremacy ideologies—perpetuates social exclusion and internalized oppression. Through qualitative interviews, the research highlights how fear, judgment, and narratives of individual responsibility embedded in psychiatric frameworks erode self-worth and agency, fostering internalized blame and social disconnection. Participants described feeling viewed as burdens and powerless, with these dynamics reinforcing exclusionary identities. The findings advocate for moving beyond a biomedical framework toward holistic, community-based approaches that honor dignity and humanity. By promoting solidarity, inclusivity, and collective responsibility, this work challenges traditional psychiatric practices and calls for creating supportive spaces that embrace diverse emotional experiences. This study contributes to critical scholarship regarding conventional psychiatric practices, emphasizing the need to dismantle oppressive systems and establish equitable frameworks that empower individuals and foster belonging.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Language
English
Number of Pages
333
Recommended Citation
Goodwin, Michelle, "Exploring the Influence of Psychiatric Discourse on Belongingness: A Critical Discourse Analysis" (2024). Counseling and Psychology Dissertations. 29.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/counseling_dissertations/29
