Ideology Identification as Psychosocial-Spiritual Disorder: A Framework for Assessment and Intervention

Abstract

In this article, the author responds to the Brooking Report by addressing how beliefs can become ideologies that harm. Beliefs are conceptualized as processes that probably evolved to support the survival and well-being of our ancestors, but that today can either help or harm us. The author introduces the concept of “ideological identification disorder” (IDD), which involves a belief I value above all other beliefs. In IDD, I not only value my ideology identification over my other beliefs, but I may well value it over other people, living things, and the world I live in. Our conservative and progressive beliefs, for example, can serve individuals, families, and communities. However, when they become “ideology identifications,” they can harm individuals, groups, and local and global communities. The local and global challenges humanity faces today require collaboration between people. Ideology identification tends to destroy the kinds of relationships that foster collaboration. A practice model framework is provided that addresses the transformation of ideology identification, at the micro-, mezzo-, and macro-levels of change. In this transformation process, people can develop “healthy beliefs” that are tempered with responsibility toward both ourselves and one another. Such beliefs may foster more effective collaboration between people.