This paper follows my lecture, organized by the University of Montgomery. The starting question remains the same: Are none, some, or all disorders interpersonal?
The objective of this paper is to analyze three different hypotheses on the role of the interpersonal domain in psychopathology: specifically, whether none, some, or all disorders should be considered interpersonal. In evaluating these three theoretical positions, I present a general thesis and an antithesis for each, aiming to bolster an interpersonal perspective in psychotherapy. This perspective draws on principles formulated almost a century ago by Harry Stack Sullivan. Finally, I discuss an evolutionarily informed synthesis of all these theses and antitheses. My proposed conclusion is that the history of our species, general human functioning, and thus mental health and psychopathology, have always and distinctly evolved socially. Implications for conceptualization and treatment are discussed.
Cheli, S. (2025).Are none, some, or all disorders interpersonal? Ricerca Psicoanalitica, 36(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/rp.2025.1095