An exploration of the social creation of mental illness

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore the concept "the social creation of mental illness", consider whether there is enough research evidence to support the thesis that mental illness can be socially caused, compare the social model to the medical model of the creation of mental illness and explore what may be necessary for the social causation model of mental health to be widely adopted and acted upon. Design/methodology/approach - This study conducts a literature review seeking to identify the likely candidates for socially caused mental illness and explores whether there was research or other evidence for "the social creation of mental illness". Findings - Each area that was examined, from the literature, supported the notion of social factors being linked to, and predictive of, the social creation of mental illness; there appears to be a prima facie case for mental illness being predominantly socially created. Research limitations/implications - It is one thing to identify risk factors, links with and predictors of mental ill health. It is quite another to prove the chain of causality between particular types of social trauma and the emergence specific mental dysfunctions. In the same way that tobacco was widely known to be dangerous to physical health, yet it took decades to collate enough evidence to persuade physicians and politicians to act, it is likely that it will be some time before the causal link between social factors and emerging mental dysfunction can be demonstrated with enough rigour to encourage politicians and mental health professionals to act. This paper seeks to make a contribution to that process. Practical implications - If social factors are found to be the primary creators of mental illness, then more appropriate methods of helping those afflicted can be developed. Social implications - Currently, the mental health system is based on the medical model. Vast and increasing resources are being allocated to mental health, yet the numbers of people disabled by mental health problems continues to increase. It appears that the medical model is false and failing. If the most common causes of mental ill health are social, then more appropriate help can be provided, and preventative measures can be developed. Originality/value - By laying out some of the evidence that social factors are a primary predictor or cause of mental illness, it is hoped that future researchers can devise mechanisms to identify the causal route between various forms of social harm and the development of mental illness.