This thesis examines the processes of pathologisation, diagnosis, and social labelling that contribute to the social construction of otherness among people experiencing mental health problems. Through a historical and social review, it explores the ways in which society understands, defines, and responds to mental states and behaviours that are commonly identified as mental health problems. In the first part of the thesis, through a review of the relevant literature, I investigate why society often understands and treats these mental states and behaviours, as well as the people who experience them, as “others”. Particular attention is devoted to the role of language, the social labelling of otherness, and the concept of the deviance career. I then examine the role of medicine and psychiatry, which have played a key role in shaping contemporary understandings of people’s mental states. I also address the political dimension that intersects with medicine. Furthermore, I discuss the effects of pathologisation and stigmatisation and explain the concept of diagnosis as a social construct. I also focus on the current social position of people experiencing mental health problems and to the factors that influence it, including social values, social norms, and the media. The theoretical part concludes with the presentation of a critical approach that emphasises social influences rather than pathologising mental states, behaviours, and the people who experience them. The second part of the thesis presents a qualitative empirical study involving students of the Faculty of Social Work: one group from the first year and another from the fourth year of the study programme. Through interviews, I explored the students’ perspectives on the social position of people experiencing mental health problems, the factors influencing this position, and social work approaches in the field of mental health that may contribute to maintaining pathologising understandings of mental states and of the people who experience them, as well as possible alternatives. The study also compares attitudes within Slovenian society with those found in selected European countries and countries in the Americas and Asia. The findings show that students from both years of study are aware that the current social position of people experiencing mental health problems is often exclusionary, and they express a critical stance towards this situation. They also recognise shortcomings within the existing system of support and assistance. Furthermore, the students are familiar with practice approaches and theoretical knowledge that can help social workers avoid pathologising service users and their mental states and contribute to the development of constructive working relationships and respectful collaboration. At the same time, they are aware of the factors that may hinder such practice.
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