Relational Processes

Abstract

Efforts to expand and update the description of relational processes in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM) to enhance its clinical utility began with DSM-IV, but met with limited success. The current effort to revise the description of relational problems has focused on both the DSM-V and theInternational Classification of Diseases(ICD)-11, with an emphasis on (1) documenting a solid empirical foundation for inclusion of relational processes in these diagnostic systems and (2) creating categories and symptom sets that reflect that empirical foundation. In this chapter we describe the process that led to the current revisions, along with steps that were taken to ensure broad consensus and relevance for a range of countries and cultures. We also briefly recap several arguments for continued attention to relational processes as well as additional changes that might be considered in future revisions. Finally, we also briefly discuss the issue of whether some relational processes are better thought of as categories in addition to being dimensions. Scientific aspects of the project have been very productive. However, revision of relational problem descriptions in DSM-V was limited and final revisions to the ICD-11 are still underway.

Materialism, Egocentrism and Delinquent Behavior in Chinese Adolescents in Mainland China: A Short-Term Longitudinal Study

“…Second, we did not include "family intactness" in the present study. In mainland China, it is difficult for children to authentically obtain accurate information about "family intactness" because some divorced parents continue to live together and conceal their divorce from children [42] (p. 199). As divorce in China is highly stigmatized [42,43], divorced couples are often regarded as "selfish and shameful" [43].…”

“…In mainland China, it is difficult for children to authentically obtain accurate information about "family intactness" because some divorced parents continue to live together and conceal their divorce from children [42] (p. 199). As divorce in China is highly stigmatized [42,43], divorced couples are often regarded as "selfish and shameful" [43]. Therefore, some divorced couples tend to "keep it a secret" [42] and pretend to be "married intact" to protect their children's healthy development by giving them a "complete family".…”

From cybernetic networks to social narratives: Mapping value in mental health systems beyond individual psychopathology.

“…With growing amounts of data on symptomatic and nonsymptomatic behaviors being collected and networked in real time, it is more imperative than ever to reflect critically on how, and by whom, the boundaries of “mental health systems” are determined, as well as whose practical values are served by mapping mental disorders as if they are reliable constructs. Such important considerations are all but ignored in most proposals for global mental health networks, like Beach et al (2016), who suggested a “necessary first step toward reducing the mental and physical health burden imposed by family problems worldwide is to develop a common language about these patterns that allows sharing of information across national boundaries as well as between researchers” (p. 7). However, before categories of mental disorder are imported even further across national borders and circulated across a greater variety of social institutions, it is imperative for those involved to reflect critically on what exactly diagnoses are meant to signify and whether they can successfully serve the same values across such vastly different sociocultural landscapes.…”

Clinicians’ diagnostic accuracy of intimate partner relational problems and maltreatment: An international field study.

“…Relational problems and maltreatment (RPM), including interpersonal partner violence (IPV), are major global concerns due to their epidemic proportions (World Health Organization, 2017), negative impacts on physical health (Schmaling & Sher, 2000), and high comorbidity with mental health problems (Beach et al, 2006), particularly anxiety and depression (Ellsberg et al, 2008;Howard et al, 2010).…”

“…The tenth version of the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the most widely used physical and mental health classification system, required innovations based on new scientific evidence, clinical utility, and public health usefulness to improve RPM identification and treatment worldwide (Beach et al, 2012).…”