Commitment and mental illness : problems with present definitions and a conceptual approach to commitment cases

Author

Raymond Hutfles

Date of Award

6-1983

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Philosophy

Major Professor

Rem B. Edwards

Abstract

The problems examined within this paper are the questions of what constitutes a true case of mental illness and what constitutes a case which ethically justifies committing a person to a mental institution. Its purpose is to examine the legal principles which underlie the use of involuntary commitment, to show why current psychological systems are inadequately formulated to serve the commitment process, and to present a conceptual approach which better serves as a guide for commitment decisions.

The approach taken in this paper examines the commitment process and mental illness from several viewpoints. I have sought to show the social concerns which justify the special type of incarceration which takes place when someone is involuntarily committed to a mental institution. These principles justify not only separating the mentally ill from the general population but from facilities which have other deviant populations. I have examined the various reasons why current psychological approaches, while they may have valid claims in guiding the treatment process, fail to adequately distinguish mental illness in a manner useful to the commitment process. I have undertaken the task of showing how a definition formalized by Dr. Rem Edwards is in line with our considered opinions on mental illness and better serves to protect all parties involved in the commitment process by distinguishing the types of properties which are involved in true cases of mental illness.

The conclusion of the paper is that this definitional approach better serves the purposes of commitment. While particular cases will be open to debate, these debates will be better guided by the use of this type of approach than by limiting ourselves to approaches which involve issues about treatment and adequately deal with distinguishing mental illness from other deviant behaviors.

Recommended Citation

Hutfles, Raymond, "Commitment and mental illness : problems with present definitions and a conceptual approach to commitment cases. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1983.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/14830