Implications of deficit discourse in the conversations of a mother who requests forced treatment

Author(s)

Cristiana Nelise de Paula Araujo ^[1] ; Sheila McNamee ^[2] ; Clarissa Mendonça Corradi-Webster ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] University of Sao Paulo. Psychology Department - Brasil

^[2] University of New Hampshire. Department of Communication

^[3] University of Sao Paulo. Psychology Department - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Psicologia USP; v. 34, 2023-03-10.

Abstract

Abstract This case study analyzes the implications of deficit discourse on the daily conversations of a mother who requested forced treatment for her son. Data were analyzed drawing on social construction, with an emphasis on positioning theory and deficit discourse. Two episodes displaying deficit discourse were analyzed: one about the son as someone who is powerless, coping with drug use and another about the mother as someone unable to help her son. A sample letter was constructed using relational discourse, which provided new understandings for practice. Results support the benefits of collaborative and relational approaches for people who use drugs and for the emotional support of families. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/22929-7 - Construction of meanings within the drug addiction users family about involuntary or compulsory hospitalization
• Grantee: Cristiana Nelise de Paula Araujo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 17/05171-9 - Case study of the implications of the Deficit Discourse and involuntary and compulsory hospitalization of drug users
• Grantee: Cristiana Nelise de Paula Araujo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree