Citation

Musaeus P, Brinkmann S. Cult. Psychol. 2011; 17(1): 47-63.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1354067X10388851

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This is a case study of a blended family undergoing home-based psychotherapy. The study uses sociocultural theory (Vygotsky) and semiotic cultural psychology (Valsiner) in order to understand the appropriation and usage of signs as regulators of behavior. Furthermore, the article draws upon Foucault's genealogical approach and Rose's notion of Psydiscourse. It is argued that this approach is fruitful for understanding psychotherapy as a governing discourse that influences contemporary families. Technologies of the self, such as psychotherapy and signs like 'time-out' and 'stop,' are used by family members in attempts to break a cycle of conflict--violence but they also exacerbate negative emotions, which we see in the case of conflict. The article develops a critique of the practice of punishment and reward. By analyzing psychotherapy as signs and technologies of the self impacting family life, we start understanding the barriers to well-being in families and individual lives.