David Smail (psychologist)

David Smail (1938–2014) was a distinguished British psychologist known for his contributions to clinical psychology and his critique of mainstream psychology's individualistic approach. His work emphasized the impact of power and social factors on mental health.

Early Life and Education

David Smail was born in 1938 in Derby, England. He attended the University of London, where he earned his degree in psychology. He later obtained his doctorate from the University of Sheffield.

Career

Smail served as a clinical psychologist in the National Health Service (NHS) from 1965 to 1993. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Nottingham from 1990 to 2000.

Smail's work was characterized by a critical approach to mainstream psychology. He argued that psychological distress is often a result of social, economic, and political factors, rather than individual pathology. This perspective is known as the social materialist approach to mental health.

Major Works

Smail authored several influential books, including The Origins of Unhappiness (1993), How to Survive Without Psychotherapy (1996), and Power, Interest and Psychology (2005). These works explore the role of power and social structures in mental health and critique the individualistic focus of mainstream psychology.

Legacy

David Smail's work has had a significant impact on the field of clinical psychology, particularly in the UK. His social materialist approach has influenced a generation of psychologists and continues to be a significant perspective in understanding mental health.

See Also

• Clinical Psychology
• Social Materialism
• Mental Health

References

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