[A methodological perspective on generalization, discrimination, and prejudices].

Abstract

Background: As a result of a common misunderstanding of the concepts of generalization, discrimination and prejudice, their methodological significance for a scientific psychiatry gets out of sight.

Aim: An attempt to rehabilitate these concepts METHOD: An explorative consideration based on actual trends in society and mental health care RESULTS: Examples are given of the one-sided framing of these concepts in society and psychiatric practice as well as of their positive contribution to a better understanding of psychiatric problems, to better diagnostics and, as a result, psychiatry as a scientific discipline.

Conclusion: It remains necessary to take a critical look at one’s own bias in the form of generalization, discrimination and prejudices. On the other hand, we also know the heuristic and methodological value of these concepts for psychiatry as a science. We should not only discriminate patients as unique individuals, but also generalize them to a variety of complex groups using biases that are subject to adjustment.