Leonard Pearlins’ Theory Of
Psychological Distress
By: Kristen, Lydia, Claire, Lexi.
About Leonard Pearlin
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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)
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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?
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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
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*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
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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?
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Thoughts?
He agreed that early adulthood might be the time for
acting on the dreams of adolescence
Stage developmental theories = COHORT EFFECTS
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i.e. Erikson,
Levinson
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Why?
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His theory is based on personal (psychological) choices. i.e.
Missing out on a real childhood and coming to realization
as an adult.
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(example ‘Manny’ on Modern Family)
Why not?
 individuals
might experience occasional periods of
stability opposed to continuous period/cycle of stability.