Downward effect

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Fig. 1. Aristotle's theory of layers - For a better understanding of the term “hyle” (= matter, body) see the Aristotelian doctrine of hylozoism .

In psychosomatics and philosophy , one speaks of a downward effect when, according to the model concept of the layer theory, effects are to be described which originate or are caused by a very specific higher layer and result in effects in a deeper layer. (a)

Examples

The essential hypertension is often as an example of a psychogenetically accepted conditional long-lasting increase in blood pressure. Psychogenic causes are also assumed for anorexia nervosa , which are expressed in biological characteristics, see also → Holy Seven . Downward effects can be viewed as an expression of psychogenic causes not only in the case of illnesses, but also in the case of mental disorders . Mostly psychobiological relationships have to be considered here. (b)

Levels of integration

Fig. 2 Psychophysical correlation or control loop between the higher animal level and the lower vegetative level

Downward effects according to Thure von Uexküll (1908-2004) can also be described as effects that are exerted from the more complex (higher) level of integration to a less complex (lower) one. Downward effects thus correspond to the actual psychosomatic effects in contrast to the somatopsychic effects, in which, for example, the drop in blood pressure after a heart attack leads to a clouding of consciousness ( upward effect ). (c)

Psychophysical Correlation

The model of psychophysical correlation reduces the different levels of integration to a psychological and a physical one, see Fig. 2.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c Thure von Uexküll (Ed. And others): Psychosomatic Medicine . 3rd edition, Urban & Schwarzenberg, Munich 1986, ISBN 3-541-08843-5 : (a) pp. 613, 732, 773, 1286, 1288 f. (b) p. 613 on tax. "Anorexia nervosa", p. 732 on tax. "Essential hypertension"; (c) p. 732 to district “Levels of integration”.


  2. ↑ Uwe Henrik Peters : Dictionary of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology . 3rd edition, Urban & Schwarzenberg, Munich 1984; P. 449 to the district "Psychophysical correlation" s. Wb.-Lemma "Psychopathology".