[Changes in Sense of Coherence, Mental Distress and Satisfaction with Life and Studies in the Course of Psychosocial Counselling]. / Veränderungen von Kohärenzgefühl, Symptombelastung und Lebens- sowie Studienzufriedenheit im Verlauf psychosozialer Beratungen.

"Sense of coherence" (SOC) plays an essential role in the maintenance or recovery of health, according to the salutogenetic approach of Aaron Antonovsky. Empirical studies provide evidence of significant links between sense of coherence and different indicators of mental health. In the present study, the effectivity of an integrative counselling concept for the promotion of sense of coherence, reduction of mental distress and improvement of satisfaction with life was tested in a sample of 153 clients and patients. Correlations of SOC with mental distress and satisfaction with life and studies indicate a strong association. After psychosocial counselling according to the integrative ABCDE-model, significant pre-/post- changes with moderate to high effect sizes could be achieved. These findings bring important implications for the modifiability of the sense of coherence and provide evidence that the integrative ABCDE-model of psychosocial counseling might be effective. Correlations between ratings of the dimensions of the model and pre-/post changes are discussed.

Bipolar Disorder and/or Creative Bipolarity: Robert Schumann's Exemplary Psychopathology - Combining Symptomatological and Psychosocial Perspectives with Creativity Research.

The psychopathological condition of Robert Schumann has been a prominent object of study in psychiatry since his hospitalization in 1854. Renowned psychiatrists have diagnosed Schumann with syphilis, schizophrenia, and bipolar and personality disorders. Until today, these analyses of his symptomatology have led to contradictory results. Recent discussion has suggested that his hospitalization was due to professional failure and separation wishes on the part of his wife, her family, and her friends. In line with this hypothesis is the opinion that the separation insisted upon by Clara Schumann was reinforced by the economic interests of the psychiatrist who kept Schumann in custody for 2 years until his death in 1856. In this article, we trace the complex interaction of bipolar vulnerability and pathogenic life events with hypersensitive talent and "creative bipolarity," defined as the capacity, motivation, and resilience to transform emotional stress and cognitive inconsistency into coherent artistic products. Finally, we present our conclusions about comprehensive psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment with respect to "creative bipolarity."