Group as a source of mental illness

Abstract

Mental disorders are often seen as problems related to individual factors such as the individual's genes, predispositions, mechanisms and coping strategies, as if the individual is solely responsible for his or her illness. Mental health is seen as a subject of observation and clinical cases that manifest themselves through symptoms. This perspective diminishes the fundamental and significant role that the group can play in the development and aggravation of mental illness. It is undeniable that the group is necessary and essential in the life of the individual, as it regulates the life of the individual. Human society is based on a set of rules and laws that govern the relationship between the individual and the group, forming what is known as the social system. Any deviation from this system exposes the individual to punishment. The process of social normalisation enables the individual to become familiar with these rules and laws, to incorporate them into his or her social make-up, and to provide a specific framework for his or her behaviour. The group provides security and safety for the individual and serves as a protective factor. However, it can also become a source of danger when social conflicts arise between individuals and groups, leading to conflicting goals or conflicting methods of achieving these goals. This leads to conscious or unconscious conflicts, especially when individuals suffer from repression and the concealment of emotions, which can lead to psychological disorders.