Early Gestalt theoretical contributions in the field of psychopathology have
attracted increased interest over the last years. Four years ago the SCHULTE/WERTHEIMER
thesis on paranoia (1924)[1] was called back to mind by Michael
RUH at the 9th Scientific Convention of the GTA in Osnabrück. [2]
RUH pointed out the topicality and potential of this thesis for understanding
not only paranoic but also other severe psychic disturbances. From there a vivid
discussion about the foundations and implications of this thesis took its course
within the psychotherapy section of the GTA which still continues. Independently
from that but at the same time - also four years ago - Kevin CROCHETIÈRE,
Nealy VICKER, James PARKER, D. Brett KING und Michael WERTHEIMER
[3] from the University of Colorado made a contribution to the annual convention
of the American Psychological Association in New York which presented and discussed
early applications of Gestalt theory in the field of clinical psychology and
psychopathology (also including the SCHULTE thesis). This indicates renewed
interest for a field of application of Gestalt theory which was in fact of great
interest and importance for the founders of Gestalt theory and in which they
stimulated and influenced scientific and research work of several of their students
and other sympathizing psychiatrists and psychotherapists. But as a matter of
fact, though Gestalt theory based or influenced work in this field was continued
and developed over these last eight decades in many countries, its promising
approach and findings have not yet found the broad resonance, integration and
advancement which it deserved.
The lecture is organized in three parts:
1. In an introductory overview some rudimentary information is given about the
early beginnings of Gestalt theory application in the field of psychopathology and
about its further development.
2. Three of the early writings on psychopathology - inspired and influenced by
Max WERTHEIMER - are presented briefly: The article by SCHULTE 1924 on paranoia
and the two articles by Erwin LEVY on a case of mania (1936) and on the formal disturbance
of thought (1943). [4] Some comments on these writings are given
aiming at pointing out some characteristics of the Gestalt theoretical approach
to psychopathological disturbances.
3. Finally an outline of basic characteristic ideas of a Gestalt theoretical
psychopathology is presented, pointing out and discussing how these refer to
the five interconnected meta-theoretical concepts of Gestalt theory listed by
METZGER (the epistemological, psychological, psychophysical, methodological
und system-theoretical concept).
See also: Questions
and Answers about Gestalt
Theory and Psychosis
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