Sociological Approaches to Mental Illness

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Questions and Answers

What is the sociological approach's view on the cause of mental illness?

The sociological approach views mental illness as a breakdown in the face of overwhelming environmental stress.

Which of the following is NOT a dominant sociological theory of mental illness according to the text?

Stress theory
Social construction theory (correct)
Labeling theory
Structural strain theory

Stress theory argues that individuals have extensive coping resources which prevent them from handling stress.

True (A)

Structural strain theory argues that mental illness is a response to the broader organization of society and its inequalities.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does labeling theory argue is the cause of mental illness?

Labeling theory argues that people who are labeled as mentally ill and treated as mentally ill become mentally ill. Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the originator of stress theory?

Hans Selye Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of stress theory?

Stress theory is based on the idea that prolonged or repeated exposure to noxious stressors eventually depletes the body's physical defenses and leads to disease or infection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind structural strain theory?

Structural strain theory suggests that mental illness originates in the broader organization of society, where certain social groups experience a greater level of strain than others. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major problems with stress theory?

Stress theory fails to explain why certain individuals develop mental illness while others do not, especially when those individuals experience similar stressors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of labeling theory?

Labeling theory argues that mental illness is not an inherent characteristic of an individual, but rather a social construct that arises from being labeled and treated as deviant. Signup and view all the answers

Labeling theory suggests that primary deviance (the initial rule-breaking behaviors) is the most significant factor in the development of mental illness.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of coping strategies discussed in the text?

The three major types of coping strategies are problem-focused, emotion-focused, and meaning-focused. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of coping resources that help buffer against stress?

Coping resources include social support, self-esteem, and a sense of control or mastery over one's life. Signup and view all the answers

Structural strain theory is well-suited for explaining individual cases of mental illness.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of stress theory?

One advantage of stress theory is that it provides a framework for understanding why mental illness occurs more frequently in lower status groups than in higher status groups. Signup and view all the answers

Stress theory is limited in its ability to explain why certain individuals develop specific mental disorders while others develop different disorders.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to structural strain theory, what is one of the main causes of anomie in society?

Anomie, according to structural strain theory, can result from a gap between the cultural goals that society values and the means available to individuals to achieve those goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of Durkheim's theory of suicide?

Durkheim argues that rates of suicide vary depending on the level of social integration within a society. Signup and view all the answers

Durkheim's concept of anomie refers to a state of normative confusion where the rules of behavior are unclear and no longer apply.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Structural strain theory is the only sociological perspective that acknowledges the importance of social inequality in understanding mental illness.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is labeling theory's central argument?

Labeling theory argues that the process of being labeled as mentally ill and being treated as such can contribute to the individual internalizing that identity and experiencing the consequences of it. Signup and view all the answers

Labeling theory contends that people who are labeled as deviant are more likely to engage in rule-breaking behaviors because they are more likely to be detected and punished for their actions.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between stress theory and structural strain theory?

While stress theory focuses on the individual's experiences with stressors, structural strain theory focuses on the broader social and economic structures that cause and perpetuate those stressors. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest that the three sociological theories can be integrated?

The text proposes that the three theories can be integrated by considering how societal structures (structural strain theory) create risks for certain groups, these risks manifest as stressful events (stress theory) for individuals, and societal reactions to those individuals' experiences (labeling theory) can further exacerbate the problem of mental illness. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major criticisms of structural strain theory?

One criticism of structural strain theory is that it often neglects the impact of other large-scale societal changes, such as changes in family structures, on mental health, often focusing primarily on class-related disparities and inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

Labeling theorists argue that the primary cause of mental illness is biological or psychological.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern with the theoretical implications of labeling theory?

A major concern with labeling theory is that it might seem overly idealistic in its suggestions for preventing mental illness, such as reducing the use of formal psychiatric diagnoses and hospitalization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main strength of labeling theory?

Labeling theory has been instrumental in raising awareness of the biases and inequalities inherent in the mental health system, particularly regarding the overrepresentation of disadvantaged groups among those who are institutionalized. Signup and view all the answers

Structural strain theory emphasizes the importance of intervening at a macro level to reduce mental illness, while stress theory focuses on individual-level interventions.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

The sociological approaches to mental illness discussed in the text completely explain the cause of mental illness.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of sociological approaches to mental illness?

Sociological approaches to mental illness focus on the social and environmental factors that contribute to its development and prevalence, highlighting the systemic and relational aspects of mental health. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sociological Approach to Mental Illness

The idea that mental illness is a reaction to overwhelming environmental demands, rather than an internal problem.

Stress Theory

A theory that explains mental illness as a result of accumulated stress and strain in a person's life.