Guide to Mental Health
- Author:
Jennings
White, M.A., Ph.D. The C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. 15s. net.
This is an interesting book written for the general public and, as this type of book is often stated to be, particularly for the author’s patients. It represents the point of view of a lay psycho- therapist and its plan is based on the concept of the Goal, originally, of course, so far as modern psychology is concerned a formulation of Adler’s. Nine of the twelve chapters are devoted to a study of nine different Goals. The oppor- tunity, however, is taken to expand some of these chapters partly by way of illustration and partly to allow the author to express his views (or the views of others he has adopted) on matters which obviously interest him and which he considers relevant. For example, nearly two-thirds of the Chapter on the Goal of Supremacy is devoted to an analysis of famous characters, including Alexander the Great, Mohammed, Napoleon, and Nietzsche. Mystic- ism and the Buddhist tradition are dealt with in the chapter on the Goal of Bliss. And in the chapters on the Goals of Faith and Salvation the historical foundations of Christianity are represented as symbolizing more ancient beliefs or are explained in terms of astronomical phenomena. One is irresistibly reminded of the interpretations placed on the measurements of the Great Pyramid by those who profess to find in these not only relics of the past but also indications for the future.
Those looking for guidance in the problems of Mental Health will find much of practical value. But what may perhaps be regarded as a main criticism is this. Efficient psychological treatment will tend to be an individual applica- tion of general principles, individual alike to the psycho-therapist and to the patient. Every psycho-therapist will evolve his own method which he will modify in accordance with the requirements of each patient. But if this is admitted a point may be reached when indi- viduality of technique, opinion and interpreta- tion or a specific combination of these will be developed into something in the nature of a new revelation. This as a working principle may be extremely effective in the hands of its originator and its exposition may make interesting reading. Those indeed who regard psycho-therapy not so much as a science as an art may place no limits to their own individual methods. They will not hesitate to invent new terms and to invest them with a sectarian significance. Doctors have (or should have) what lay practitioners lack, namely, a corporate sense of responsibility to their profession. Pioneers there must be, and these may be compelled by circumstances to plough a lonely furrow. But there comes a stage in all scientific achievement when the task becomes one of co-ordination and synthesis rather than that of emphasizing personal preferences or adding new names to an already overburdened terminology. Words such as Eutrophia and Moralisis may be needed to indicate a particular philosophy, but as part of a scheme intended for general acceptance they are a hindrance rather than a help.
In conclusion, two points may be mentioned to indicate the author’s approach to psycho- pathology. He stresses the psychogenic origin of many, apparently physical, ills, but he does not seem so inclined to consider that pathological states of a physical nature may prove harmful to mental health. Also he appears to regard all mental illness as unitary in the sense that it has a single underlying cause. Two quotations will illustrate this: “Behind every abnormal goal, therefore, we seek for the complementary fear which is the source of the abnormality.” And again, ” These same fears still further isolated and exaggerated underlie the psychotic goals in which the individual prefers death to the situation which is feared. From this point of view suicide is the central or limiting symptom of psychosis and an extreme phobia the central cause.’’ In other words, Neurosis and Psychosis are different stages in the same process. H.C.S.
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