Psychosis As A Mechanism For Coping With Existential Distress

Grant S. Shields

Psychosis As A Mechanism For Coping With Existential Distress

Authors

Grant S. Shields Author

Keywords:

Existential Psychology, Psychosis, Psychotic Disorders, Coping.

Abstract

This paper attempts to explain occurrences of psychosis through a new understanding: as a coping mechanism. This hypothesis seems to have broad explanatory power. Some qualitative evidence also supports this understanding. This paper concludes that it is possible to understand psychotic episodes as mechanisms for coping with existential distress.