An invitation for all to add to my theorising all feedback suggestions warmly welcomed

Mad Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that challenges normative ideas about mental health, psychiatry, and the experiences of individuals labeled as 'mad.' It seeks to de-pathologize and de-stigmatize mental differences, acknowledging the lived experiences of those who identify as mad. The notion of "Mad Experientialism" could be conceived as a framework that centers the lived experiences of individuals in understanding, analyzing, and conceptualizing 'madness'. It could be a radical departure from pathologizing models and could offer a nuanced perspective grounded in the lived experiences of mad individuals.

Section 1: Integration with Existing Theories and Concepts The development of 'Mad Experientialism' necessitates an understanding and integration with existing theories and concepts. A foundational premise of this approach is that madness is not merely an individual's mental state, but is significantly shaped by societal factors and lived experiences. This premise aligns with the social model of disability, which posits that disability is not an individual deficit but a social construct created by barriers in society (Oliver, 2013). Similarly, the critical psychiatry and anti-psychiatry movements have critiqued the medicalization and pathologization of madness (Szasz, 1974). Thus, it can be argued that, akin to disability, madness is not merely an individual's mental state but is considerably influenced by societal factors and lived experiences.

Further, the medicalization and pathologization of madness have led to the stigmatization and marginalization of mad individuals. Historically, the medicalization of madness resulted in the creation of 'asylums' and the institutionalization of mad individuals, contributing to their marginalization and stigmatization (Foucault, 1965). Therefore, by critiquing and challenging the medicalization and pathologization of madness, Mad Experientialism can contribute to reducing the stigmatization and marginalization of mad individuals.

Lastly, Mad Experientialism can provide a more humane, empathetic, and empowering approach to understanding and analyzing madness. Tew (2011) argued that social approaches to mental distress, which consider the social, cultural, and relational aspects of mental distress, can provide a more humane, empathetic, and empowering approach. Therefore, by adopting a social approach and focusing on the lived experiences of mad individuals, Mad Experientialism can offer a more humane, empathetic, and empowering approach to understanding and analyzing madness.

Section 2: Mad Experientialism in the Context of Mad Studies

Mad Studies, as a field, has always challenged normative ideas around mental health, critiquing biomedical models and advocating for the recognition of the lived experiences of those labeled as 'mad'. Mad Experientialism takes this a step further by advocating for a shift in perspective from viewing madness merely as a medical condition to understanding it as a lived experience that is significantly influenced by societal factors.

Firstly, Mad Experientialism resonates with the principles of the recovery model, which emphasizes the importance of personal narratives and lived experiences in understanding and addressing mental distress (Slade, 2009). By focusing on the lived experiences of mad individuals, Mad Experientialism can contribute to the development of recovery-oriented practices that empower mad individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Premise 1: Personal Narratives as Empowerment The recognition of personal narratives and lived experiences is a cornerstone of the recovery model in mental health. Slade (2009) emphasizes that this approach shifts the focus from a purely clinical perspective to one that empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Mad Experientialism takes this principle and applies it to the broader context of societal influences on madness. This perspective not only challenges the biomedical model of mental health but also acknowledges the role of societal factors in shaping the lived experiences of mad individuals. This alignment with the recovery model strengthens the argument for Mad Experientialism as a valuable perspective in Mad Studies.

Premise 1 underscores this by highlighting that the recognition of personal narratives is pivotal for empowering individuals (Slade, 2009). This alignment with the recovery model strengthens the relevance of Mad Experientialism, which echoes the same principles by applying them to the societal influences on madness. This approach not only challenges the biomedical model but also acknowledges the societal factors that shape the lived experiences of mad individuals.

Secondly, Mad Experientialism aligns with the principles of Mad Pride, a movement that seeks to reclaim the term 'mad' and challenges the stigmatization and marginalization of mad individuals (Costa et al., 2012). By advocating for a shift in perspective from viewing madness merely as a medical condition to understanding it as a lived experience, Mad Experientialism can contribute to challenging the stigmatization and marginalization of mad individuals.

Premise 2 advocates for a shift from viewing madness as merely a medical condition to understanding it as a lived experience. This alignment not only strengthens the position of Mad Experientialism but also highlights its potential to contribute to challenging the stigmatization and marginalization of mad individuals.

Lastly, Mad Experientialism can contribute to the development of a more nuanced and holistic understanding of madness. Menzies, LeFrançois, & Reaume (2013) argued that Mad Studies needs to develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of madness that goes beyond the biomedical model. By focusing on the lived experiences of mad individuals and the societal factors that influence these experiences, Mad Experientialism can contribute to the development of a more nuanced and holistic understanding of madness.

Premise 3 underscores the need for a more holistic understanding of madness (Menzies, LeFrançois, & Reaume, 2013). Mad Experientialism addresses this need by focusing on the lived experiences of mad individuals and the societal factors influencing these experiences, thereby contributing to a more nuanced understanding of madness. This premise highlights the potential of Mad Experientialism to fill a critical gap in the current Mad Studies literature.

The above is my starting point for my proposed Thesis on "Mad Experientialism" as a new construct and "Gap in the literture" am really open to any thoughts suggestions feedback interested folk might have