"Why People Don't Heal"

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses Catherine Myss' book "Why People Don't Heal" and her idea of "woundology" that is a refusal to heal by wallowing in illness and negative emotions. The paper explores how Myss attempts to provide a more positive vision of forgiveness, emotional healing and moving on from past troubles than is offered by today's culture of victimology and "woundology." The paper critically examines Myss' belief on the effect the mind has on physical ailments and points out several problems with her assertion.

From the Paper:

"It's an all-too familiar scenario. You meet someone, and almost immediately they tell you sordid personal details about their past and private life. You feel uncomfortable because of the intimate nature of their confession, so you draw away. It has become almost inevitable in our culture of Oprah and celebrity confessions to encounter people who are willing to tell everyone why they are so 'screwed up,' and how much suffering they have endured in their past. Rather than seeing this as a potentially positive development, and an example of greater openness in our society, Catherine Myss views this as a symptom of what is wrong with the world, something she calls "woundology." "Woundology" is a refusal to heal, a refusal to seek health. It is wallowing in illness and negative emotions."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Myss, Catherine. (1998). Why People Don't Heal. Three Rivers Press.

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