Neurosciences des Croyances

Views on the mind-brain problem do matter: Assumptions and practical implications among psychiatrists and mental health researchers in Brazil.

Costa MA, Moreira-Almeida A

Conscious Cogn . 2025;131 :103855

📅 01/05/2025 PMID : 40198942 DOI : 10.1016/j.concog.2025.103855

Résumé

OBJECTIVE: Despite being rarely discussed, understanding themind-brain problem (MBP) is essential to mental health. We aimed to explore the assumptions and practical implications of MBP among mental health professionals.METHODS: We recruited psychiatrists and mental health researchers. MBP perspectives were assessed directly and indirectly (via thought experiments and clinical vignettes).RESULTS: 214 participants participated. Most (60.7%) believed the mind is a product of the brain, however endorsed lower persistence of mental characteristics than physical after thebody duplication experiment. Neurobiological etiology attribution to the clinical vignette was associated with reduced attribution of patient's responsibility, the inverse for psychological etiology. Substance dualism correlated with belief in free will and spiritual etiologies without denying neurobiological, psychological, and social etiologies.CONCLUSIONS: MBP assumptions influence perceptions of etiology, responsibility, and free will, highlighting the importance of understanding MBP for advancing psychiatry.