[Reconnaissance: theoretical construction of social change]

Area of Science:

• Psychology and Social Sciences
• Mental Health Studies

Background:

• Individual reactions of omnipotence or helplessness mirror dynamics within the mental health field.
• A recurring pattern of seeking recognition drives the evolution of knowledge and power structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the cyclical pattern of recognition-seeking and power dynamics in the mental health field.
• To explain the field's evolution over the past four decades using this pattern.
• To identify recent failures and propose solutions for overcoming impasses.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of individual and group reactions within the mental health field.
• Historical review of the field's evolution over four decades.
• Identification of patterns in knowledge proclamation, recognition acquisition, and power shifts.

Main Results:

• A cyclical pattern was identified: groups proclaim new, fantasy-based knowledge, gain recognition and power, leading to an illusion of omnipotence that excludes others.
• This cycle, repeating over decades, explains the mental health field's progression.
• Recent failures in this pattern suggest an impasse.

Conclusions:

• The quest for recognition, oscillating between omnipotence and helplessness, shapes the mental health field's development.
• Understanding this pattern is crucial for addressing current challenges and fostering progress.
• Proposed solutions are needed to navigate the field beyond its current limitations.