R. D. Laing
R. D. Laing
Ronald David Laing (7 October 1927 – 23 August 1989), usually cited as R. D. Laing, was a Scottish psychiatrist who wrote extensively on mental illness – in particular, the experience of psychosis.
Pronunciation
R. D. Laing: /ɑːr diː læŋ/
Etymology
The name "Laing" is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Lange" meaning "tall". The initials "R. D." stand for Ronald David.
Biography
Laing was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and studied medicine at the University of Glasgow. After serving in the army, he specialized in psychiatry. His first posting was at Gartnavel Royal Hospital in Glasgow, where he worked under the influential psychiatrist John Bowlby.
Laing's work focused on the nature of mental illness, particularly psychosis. He was critical of traditional psychiatric approaches, arguing that they often dehumanized patients. Instead, he advocated for a more empathetic and understanding approach, viewing mental illness as a potentially transformative experience.
Related Terms
- Anti-psychiatry: A movement that opposes the mainstream psychiatric model and challenges the legitimacy of psychiatric diagnosis. Laing is often associated with this movement.
- Existentialism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. Laing's work was heavily influenced by existentialist thought.
- Phenomenology (psychology): A psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of conscious experiences. Laing used phenomenological methods in his work.
- Schizophrenia: A mental disorder characterized by abnormal behavior, strange speech, and a decreased ability to understand reality. Laing's work often focused on the experiences of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on R. D. Laing
- Wikipedia's article - R. D. Laing
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