Pathological deceleration: a step towards a collective language and culturally conscious handling of mental distress in late modernity

ET SKRIDT PÅ VEJEN MOD ET KOLLEKTIVT SPROG OG KULTURBEVIDST HÅNDTERING AF PSYKISK MISTRIVSEL I DET SENMODERNE SAMFUND

Abstract

In this article, we seek to unfold a perspective on social acceleration presented by the sociologist Rosa and take a step towards a collective language for the
mental distress that unfortunately is prevalent in our society. Additionally, we also seek to describe the individualization that several cultural critics
point out is characteristic of late modern society. Here we describe, based on the Foucauldian understanding of power, how individualization plays into
the prevailing discourse, especially regarding how we understand and treat mental distress in a therapeutic context. Based on this analysis, we will
discuss how the field of psychotherapy may need to be expanded and adapted to the cultural and societal trends that affect individuals’ mental wellbeing.
Furthermore, we accentuate the importance of integrating a culturally critical element in psychotherapy and a critical reflection of one’s own practice
as a psychologist.