Disorder or socially adapted behavior? The field dependent nature of psychopathology and some implications for the intervention

In the mainstream approach, psychopathology is recognized as an expression of a sick individual acting in a social vacuum. On the other hand, cross-cultural studies and cultural psychopathology show that cultural variations exist in perceived causes, onset patterns, epidemiology, symptom expression, course and outcome; yet, by promoting the view of culture as the context container to which individuals belong, this standpoint neglects the role of individuals in negotiating their cultural world and the meaning of their experience. In this chapter, gambling will be used as an argument to highlight the limits both of individualistic perspectives and of a view of culture as a monolithic entity. According to a cultural and semiotic perspective stating the dialectic unity of mind and context, we argue the field dependent dynamic and inherently unique nature of psychopathology and suggest modelling it at the same time as an intrapsychic, interpersonal and cultural process. The implications of this perspective in the way of establishing the goal of the clinical intervention in the psychotherapeutic field as well as in the community will be underlined.