ABSTRACT
This chapter has covered a great deal of ground in a relatively short space, and so, of course, it will not be comprehensive. The dominant biomedical discourse is so well established and so firmly rooted in “common sense” that it is unlikely to disappear any time soon. The alienation theme can be seen to be linked to the holistic theme, in so far as it has psychological implications; is rooted in the social context. The dominance of the medical model is so great that it generally gets accepted uncritically and therefore tends to go unquestioned. Trauma and its consequences are now increasingly being recognized as major factors in relation to mental health and well-being. With this greater awareness also comes a greater understanding of the significance of unresolved grief issues playing a significant part in the development of mental health problems.
