Leonard Pearlins’ Theory Of Psychological Distress

By: Kristen, Lydia, Claire, Lexi.

About Leonard Pearlin

Became a graduate professor in 1995 (works in the department of sociology at the University of Maryland)

In addition to teaching, he is a research scientist Graduated from University of Southern California Received His PhD from Colombia University in 1956 Distinguished Career Award for the Practice of

Sociology from the American Sociological Association in 1998, and the Award for Career Contributions to the Sociology of Mental Health, from the ASA Section on the Sociology of Mental Health in 1996.

The Leonard Pearlin Award is named after him, for distinguished contributions to the sociological study of mental health

Key Points to Theory (elements)

1) Individuals characteristics such as gender, race, culture, intelligence, personality and education

2) The range of skills one has developed to deal with stress

3) The availability of a social network to the individual

4)The nature and timing of stress that requires response

Why is it important?

Psychological distress* is a central element in life changes.1. Values, beliefs, ideologies, interest etc… are

subjected to modification as one moves across their life span. These feelings represent important emotional circumstances in peoples lives which links with distress and anxiety as they are subjected to modifications

2. Emotional distress signifies both important life changes that are about to occur (social clock**) AND constitutes a state of being against it which people will go into as a coping response

*Distress – unpleasant condition that tends to dominate individuals awareness and it is a state that people seek relief from

**Social Clock of society – the series of social changes that can be anticipated and which society predicts i.e getting married

Why is it important? cont

3. The study of adult development and psychological distress determines the difference in vulnerability to stressful circumstances of different groups in society

4. Exposure of stressful circumstances vary with social characteristics of individuals

5. Range of skills individuals have for coping with stress, availability of social support and the nature and timing of stress that requires a response are all strengths that all have a meaning in life

Is it still relevant today? Why or why not?

Thoughts?

He agreed that early adulthood might be the time for acting on the dreams of adolescence

Stage developmental theories = COHORT EFFECTS

i.e. Erikson, Levinson

Why? His theory is based on personal

(psychological) choices. i.e. Missing out on a real childhood and coming to realization as an adult. (example ‘Manny’ on Modern Family)

Why not? individuals might experience occasional

periods of stability opposed to continuous period/cycle of stability.