Psychology Chapter 8: Mental Illness

The way mental health issues are understood, managed, and treated using medical systems and professional interventions. It involves things like diagnosis, therapy, and medication.

The negative perceptions and beliefs about people with mental disorders, often leading to social exclusion, discrimination, and prejudice.

The way media depictions of mental illness can contribute to negative stereotypes and harmful perceptions of people with mental health disorders.

The experience of being judged, discriminated against, or treated differently because of having a mental health condition.

Portraying individuals with mental disorders as unpredictable, violent, dangerous, or criminal in media.

The impact of media representations on public attitudes toward people with mental illness, often leading to increased prejudice and negative perceptions.

Dehumanizing attitudes toward people with mental illness, often seeing them as less evolved or capable than others.

Viewing people with mental disorders as weak, making excuses, or avoiding responsibility, often leading to blaming or shaming.

The negative attitudes and beliefs held by society towards individuals with mental illness, often leading to social rejection, discrimination, and marginalization.

Organizations and individuals working to reduce stigma, improve mental health services, and advocate for better funding and treatment.

A set of guidelines used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders, often criticized for its potential to over-medicalize certain conditions.

A famous study conducted by David Rosenhan that highlighted the subjectivity and bias in psychiatric diagnosis.

The tendency to view normal behavior as evidence of mental illness, often influenced by diagnostic labels and environmental factors.

Indigenous youth face disproportionately high rates of suicide, calling for culturally sensitive programs that promote self-determination and cultural continuity.

Programs designed to empower Indigenous communities and individuals by fostering self-determination and cultural continuity.

Organizations dedicated to supporting Indigenous youth, particularly those at risk of suicide, by providing resources and promoting positive mental health.

Belief systems, such as religions, scientific fields, or political ideologies, provide frameworks for understanding the world and interacting with others. They guide behavior and shape how people interpret their actions and the actions of others.

A belief system might define actions deemed acceptable within its framework but considered deviant by mainstream society. For example, a religious group might have specific practices that are seen as acceptable within their community but regarded as deviant by the majority.

A belief system itself might be considered deviant by the broader society. Historically, early Christianity and certain Buddhist sects were viewed as deviant by the prevailing cultural norms, even though they represented legitimate belief systems to their followers.

Belief systems often serve as criteria for identifying deviant behavior. What one culture defines as deviant, another might consider normal. For example, a religious doctrine may deem certain actions deviant, while a secular society might not.

Different belief systems, such as religious doctrines, scientific paradigms, or political ideologies, can define what is considered deviant based on their own interpretation.

Religious doctrines often define specific actions as deviant, such as adultery or blasphemy. These acts are regarded as violating religious principles and may have severe consequences for the individuals involved.

Scientific paradigms can also define behaviors as deviant if they contradict established scientific norms or laws. In this case, the deviance is related to violating scientific principles or failing to adhere to accepted scientific methods.

Political ideologies also shape what is considered deviant. They often dictate what types of behaviors or beliefs are acceptable based on their interpretation of what is right or just. This can lead to differing views on issues like social justice and equality.

Belief systems can influence social norms, control, and judgments about acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Belief systems themselves can be seen as deviant by others in society.

A sociological approach that focuses on the social organization of religion, its role in communities, and its interaction with other aspects of society.

Religious beliefs and practices can be viewed as deviant when they significantly differ from dominant cultural norms.

Religious institutions often serve as centers for social interaction, moral guidance, and community engagement.

Religious affiliation can influence how others perceive individuals, leading to respect, admiration, or even criticism depending on the cultural context.

The process of understanding social phenomena, including religion, as a product of social interaction and shared meanings.

The interaction between belief systems and deviance is complex, with both influencing each other.

The process of defining what is considered acceptable or 'normal' within a society, often based on majority values and practices. This can result in marginalizing minority religious beliefs and practices.

A system of beliefs and practices that often provides individuals with a moral framework, defining what behaviors are considered acceptable or deviant based on religious doctrines.

The influence that religious groups can have on the behavior of their members by enforcing norms and promoting conformity to specific beliefs and practices.

The capacity of religious institutions to impact the values and norms of the broader society, shaping policies, social reforms, and even political decisions.

Controversial acts or behaviors committed by religious leaders or institutions, such as instances of child sexual abuse. These actions often lead to criticism and conflict within the religious community and society at large.

The perception that individuals with religious beliefs are inherently prone to engaging in harmful or deviant behavior. This stereotype is often based on instances of religious extremism or violence.

The idea that Indigenous children were considered wards of the state, meaning their parents did not have the right to decide if their children went to residential schools.

Residential schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into white settler culture, focusing on Christian values and practices.

Traditional Indigenous cultural practices were banned in residential schools, and children faced punishment for continuing to engage in them. This caused a rupture in cultural transmission.

Sexual and physical abuse was widespread in residential schools, causing enduring trauma for survivors and their families.

The negative impact of residential schools continues across generations, affecting mental, emotional, and physical health.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) documents survivors' stories, providing a platform for healing and acknowledging the injustices of residential schools.

The TRC's final report outlines recommendations for reconciliation in areas such as education, child welfare, and justice, aiming to address the legacy of residential schools.

Financial supports and healing initiatives aim to address the harms caused by residential schools, offering compensation and resources for survivors.