Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences

Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences

A phenomenological approach to the consequences of pseudo-psychology from the point of view of clients: the need for action by the Iranian psychological society

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Nafiseh Eftekhari 1
Mohammad Ali Rahmani 2
Keyvan Salehi 3
1 PhD student, Department of Counseling and Psychology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Psychology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Methods and Curriculum, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22038/mjms.2023.22869
Abstract
Introduction: Pseudo-psychology is a non-scientific approach to psychology and clinical psychology that is adopted by quacks. The current study aimed to investigate the harms related to Pseudo-psychology from the point of view of clients in Iran.
Method: The present research method was qualitative and descriptive phenomenology. For this, 20 male and female references who were victims of false psychology have been studied by conducting in-depth interviews. Simultaneously with the data collection, audio implementation, text rereading, identifying important and relevant items, coding and categorizing and presenting the findings were done with MAXQDA software.
Results: The findings showed that Pseudo-psychology damages are multifaceted and include emotional harms, financial damages, unprincipled intervention, stigma, and ethical damages. By highlighting the significant harms associated with pseudo-psychology in Iran, this study emphasizes the urgent need to increase the regulation and supervision of pseudo-psychology to prevent harm at the level of public health.
Conclusion: The implications of this study extend to policymakers, mental health professionals, and the general population, highlighting the importance of evidence-based psychological interventions. Future research should examine the effectiveness of regulatory measures to prevent the spread of pseudo-psychology and protect public mental health.
Keywords
Non-scientific psychology
Pseudo-psychology
psychotherapy injuries
Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 66, Issue 1
May and June 2023