摘要：The theory of social representations has been applied in empirical research thatexamines shared understandings of mental illness in different communities. Another lineof inquiry, drawing on a number of theoretical perspectives, has dealt with the functionsof diagnosis in everyday sense-making regarding mental problems. This paper suggesthow the theoretical model of social representation can be extended in order to accountfor representation as interactive sense-making in which diagnostic concepts serve as amediating resource. An empirical study of discourse in self-help groups with peoplesharing experiences of mental health problems is used to explore the role of diagnosis inestablishing shared understandings and identity. It is argued that when diagnoses areanchored in lay knowledge, they acquire new meaning potentials and serve newfunctions for representation that have ontological, epistemological, and moraldimensions.
关键词：Diagnosis; social representation; self-help groups; cultural tools; meaning potential.
