CH-6-7 Mental Disorder: Social Class – Sociology of Mental Disorder : Exam Guide

This Document Contains Chapters 6 to 7 Chapter 6: Mental Disorder: Social Class Test Questions Part I. Multiple Choice Questions Circle the response that best answers the following questions. 1) Overall, the prevalence of mental disorder in general is highest among the __________ social class. A) lower B) working C) middle D) upper Answer: A 2) Depression and anxiety disorders are most common among the __________ social classes. A) lower and working B) working and middle C) middle and upper D) lower and upper Answer: C 3) The first systematic study of mental disorder was conducted by Faris and Dunham in the mid-1930s in __________. A) Chicago B) New Haven C) Manhattan D) Stirling County Answer: A 4) Faris and Dunham hypothesized that those in poverty were more likely to suffer from mental disorder because __________. A) they have poor access to medical care B) they are more likely to be criminals C) they have fewer assets D) they are more likely to live in isolation Answer: D 5) More recent research concluded what about Faris and Dunham’s 1930’s hypothesis about social class and mental disorder? A) Schizophrenia is most common among the upper and middle social classes. B) Social isolation decreases as schizophrenia progresses. C) Social isolation is the result rather than the cause of schizophrenia. D) Social isolation is not related to schizophrenia. Answer: C 6) According to Hollinghead and Redlich’s research, individuals in __________ were more aware of psychological problems. A) Classes I and II B) Classes II and III C) Classes III and IV D) Classes IV and V Answer: A 7) According to Hollingshead and Redlich’s study, Classes I, II, and III were likely to be referred to psychiatrists by __________. A) clinicians B) educators C) friends and family D) police Answer: C 8) According to Hollinghead and Redlich’s research, the lower the social class, the __________ tendency toward schizophrenia. A) better B) greater C) lower D) worse Answer: B 9) According to Hollinghead and Redlich’s research, those in the lower the social class are __________ to have anxiety. A) not at all likely B) more likely C) less likely D) no less Answer: C 10) According to Hollinghead and Redlich’s research, the prevalence of schizophrenia is __________ times greater in the lower classes than in the upper class. A) 2 B) 5 C) 11 D) 18 Answer: C 11) The Hollingshead and Redlich study is limited because __________. A) it did not consider both men and women B) it defined “treatment” as having seen a professional for more than one year C) it viewed social classes as income levels only D) it considered only persons seeking psychiatric treatment Answer: D 12) The Hollingshead and Redlich study focused on __________ and the Srole study focused on __________. A) lower class persons with mental disorders; upper class individuals with mental disorders B) rural persons with mental disorders; urban persons with mental disorders C) treated cases of mental disorders; untreated cases of mental disorders D) children with mental disorders; adults with mental disorders Answer: C 13) In Srole’s study, the clear finding was that those __________ are least likely to be mentally ill. A) aged 40-49 and of the upper class B) aged 30-39 and of the lower class C) aged 50-59 and of the middle class D) aged 20-29 and of the upper class Answer: D 14) According to the Midtown Manhattan study, __________ was an important component in mental disorder. A) age B) race C) stress D) employment Answer: C 15) Slightly more than __________ of the Stirling County was classified as psychiatric “case.” A) one-quarter B) one-third C) one-half D) two-thirds Answer: C 16) Of the 57 percent of the Stirling County study who were classified as having a psychiatric disorder, about __________ percent had schizophrenia. A) 1 B) 5 C) 10 D) 15 Answer: A 17) The relationship between social class and mental disorder exists __________. A) only in the U.S B) in Europe and the U.S. C) in only parts of the western world D) worldwide Answer: D 18) The __________ explanation for the relationship between social class and mental disorder suggests that there is a greater predisposition to mental disorder among those of the lower classes. A) biological B) genetic C) social causation D) social selection Answer: B 19) The __________ explanation for the relationship between social class and mental disorder suggests that persons in the lower classes have greater stress and are less likely to be able to adapt to the stress. A) biological B) genetic C) social causation D) social selection Answer: C 20) The __________ explanation for the relationship between social class and mental disorder suggests that those with mental disorders “drift” down the social ladder. A) biological B) genetic C) social causation D) social selection Answer: D 21) Which of the following conclusions is accurate about the explanations for the relationship between social class and mental disorder? A) The genetic explanation has strong empirical support, and the others do not. B) The social selection explanation is only applicable to women. C) The social causation explanation offers only a little empirical evidence. D) None of the three explanations is sufficient to explain the relationship. Answer: D 22) Twin studies find __________ for the genetic explanation. A) no support B) limited support C) mixed support D) full support Answer: B 23) Which combination of explanations may be the most likely overall explanations for the social class and schizophrenia? A) genetics and social causation B) genetics and social selection C) social causation and social selection D) genetics, social causation, and social selection Answer: A 24) The __________ hypothesis suggests that mentally healthy individuals in the lower classes tend to emerge upwards, leaving the mentally ill behind. A) drift B) social selection C) residue D) left over Answer: C 25) Miech’s research concluded that for depression __________ explained the relationship with social class. A) only social causation B) only social selection C) both social causation and social selection D) neither social causation and social selection Answer: D Part II. Essay Questions Answer the following questions in your own words. 1) What are the three rationales for the relationship between social class and mental disorder? Answer: The relationship between social class and mental disorder can be understood through several rationales: 1. Social Causation Hypothesis: This perspective suggests that lower social class or socioeconomic status (SES) itself contributes to the development of mental disorders. Factors such as stress due to financial difficulties, unstable employment, lack of social support, and exposure to adverse living conditions (like poor housing or neighborhood violence) can increase the risk of mental health issues. Individuals in lower social classes may have limited access to mental health resources and face greater barriers to receiving adequate treatment. 2. Social Selection Hypothesis: This hypothesis proposes that individuals with mental disorders may drift downward in social class or have lower social mobility compared to their peers without mental health issues. Mental disorders can impair educational attainment, job performance, and interpersonal relationships, leading affected individuals to experience downward social mobility. This process can create a correlation between lower social class and higher prevalence of mental disorders. 3. Social Gradient in Health: This concept describes the pattern where individuals of lower social class or SES tend to experience worse health outcomes, including mental health, compared to those of higher social class. This gradient suggests that inequalities in socioeconomic status translate into differences in health outcomes, with higher social class often associated with better mental health due to factors like greater access to resources, less chronic stress, and better coping mechanisms. These rationales highlight the complex interplay between social class and mental health, emphasizing both the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on mental health outcomes and the potential consequences of mental health issues on social status. 2) Compare the “drift” and “residue” hypotheses as part of the social selection explanation. Answer: In the context of social selection explanations for the relationship between social class and mental disorder, two related hypotheses are often discussed: the "drift" hypothesis and the "residue" hypothesis. Here's how they compare: 1. Drift Hypothesis: • Definition: The drift hypothesis suggests that individuals with mental disorders are more likely to experience downward social mobility or struggle to maintain their social class status. This downward drift occurs because mental disorders can impair an individual's ability to achieve educational and occupational success, maintain stable relationships, and effectively manage their social roles. • Mechanism: Mental disorders may lead to decreased productivity at work, increased absenteeism, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and overall decreased functioning in social roles. These impairments can contribute to a decline in socioeconomic status over time. • Outcome: As a result of this drift, individuals who experience mental disorders are more likely to end up in lower social classes or have limited upward mobility, thereby contributing to the observed association between lower social class and higher prevalence of mental disorders. 2. Residue Hypothesis: • Definition: The residue hypothesis suggests that even after controlling for factors such as education and occupation, a residual association remains between social class and mental disorder. This residual association implies that there are additional, unmeasured aspects of social class (beyond the traditional indicators like education and occupation) that influence the risk of developing mental disorders. • Mechanism: Factors such as social networks, access to healthcare, neighborhood quality, discrimination, and chronic stressors associated with lower social class can contribute to the residual risk of mental disorders. These factors may exert their influence independently of socioeconomic indicators like education and occupation. • Outcome: The residue hypothesis highlights that social class influences mental health through both measurable socioeconomic factors and unmeasured social determinants that are not fully captured by conventional indicators of social class. Comparison: • Focus: The drift hypothesis focuses on the downward mobility experienced by individuals with mental disorders, emphasizing the consequences of mental health impairments on social class. • Scope: The residue hypothesis expands the focus beyond traditional socioeconomic measures to include broader social determinants that may independently influence mental health outcomes. • Interpretation: While the drift hypothesis explains social selection in terms of the direct consequences of mental disorders on social class, the residue hypothesis suggests that social class impacts mental health through a combination of socioeconomic disadvantages and other social factors. In summary, the drift and residue hypotheses within the social selection explanation provide complementary perspectives on how social class and mental disorder are interconnected, highlighting the complex interplay between mental health, socioeconomic status, and broader social determinants. 3) Why does schizophrenia appear more in the lower class than in other classes? Answer: The higher prevalence of schizophrenia in lower socioeconomic classes can be attributed to several interconnected factors: 1. Stress and Adversity: Individuals in lower socioeconomic classes often face higher levels of chronic stress due to financial insecurity, unstable employment, inadequate housing, and exposure to violence or crime in their neighborhoods. Chronic stress is a known risk factor for triggering and exacerbating symptoms of schizophrenia. 2. Social Causation Hypothesis: According to this hypothesis, the conditions associated with lower socioeconomic status contribute directly to the onset and development of schizophrenia. Factors such as poverty, social exclusion, and limited access to healthcare and social services can increase the vulnerability of individuals to developing schizophrenia. 3. Access to Healthcare: Lower socioeconomic status is frequently linked to reduced access to mental health services, including early intervention and treatment for mental health disorders like schizophrenia. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can worsen the course of the illness and increase the likelihood of chronic disability. 4. Urbanization: Schizophrenia is more prevalent in urban settings, and lower socioeconomic classes are disproportionately represented in urban populations. Urban environments can exacerbate stress levels due to overcrowding, noise, pollution, and social isolation, all of which are potential triggers for schizophrenia. 5. Social Selection Hypothesis: This hypothesis posits that individuals who develop schizophrenia may experience downward social mobility or struggle to maintain their social class due to the impairments caused by the illness. This could lead to an accumulation of schizophrenia cases in lower socioeconomic groups over time. 6. Health Behavior and Risk Factors: Lower socioeconomic classes may exhibit higher rates of substance abuse, which can contribute to the onset or worsening of schizophrenia symptoms. Substance use disorders are often co-occurring with schizophrenia and can complicate treatment and recovery efforts. Overall, the complex interplay of socioeconomic disadvantage, chronic stress, limited access to healthcare, and urban living conditions creates a conducive environment for the higher prevalence of schizophrenia in lower socioeconomic classes. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive strategies that focus on improving social determinants of health, enhancing access to mental health services, and reducing environmental stressors. 4) What were the benefits of the Midtown Manhattan study? Answer: The Midtown Manhattan study, conducted by Rosenhan and colleagues in 1973, was a seminal research project in psychology and psychiatry that brought several benefits and insights to the field: 1. Revealing Flaws in Psychiatric Diagnosis: One of the main benefits of the study was its demonstration of the potential flaws and biases in psychiatric diagnosis. The study showed that psychiatric labels (such as schizophrenia) could be applied based on relatively minor symptoms or behaviors, which might not necessarily indicate a genuine psychiatric disorder. This highlighted the subjective nature of psychiatric diagnosis and the potential for misinterpretation of normal behaviors as pathological. 2. Impact on Diagnostic Criteria: The study contributed to discussions about refining and standardizing diagnostic criteria in psychiatry. It underscored the need for clearer guidelines and criteria to distinguish between genuine psychiatric disorders and transient, situational behaviors that may mimic symptoms. 3. Ethical Considerations in Research: The study prompted discussions about ethical considerations in psychological research, particularly in terms of informed consent, deception, and the potential psychological harm to participants. It raised awareness about the importance of ethical guidelines and procedures in conducting research involving human subjects. 4. Influence on Mental Health Policies: The findings of the study contributed to debates about mental health policies and the treatment of psychiatric patients. It underscored the importance of ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for individuals with mental health issues, while also highlighting the risks of overdiagnosis and stigma associated with psychiatric labels. 5. Educational Value: The Midtown Manhattan study has been widely used as a case study in psychology and psychiatry education. It serves as a critical example for students and professionals to understand the complexities of psychiatric diagnosis, the influence of social context on behavior, and the ethical considerations involved in conducting research. Overall, despite the controversy and criticism it initially generated, the Midtown Manhattan study has had a lasting impact on the fields of psychology and psychiatry by challenging assumptions about mental illness and diagnosis, fostering debate on ethical standards in research, and contributing to improvements in diagnostic practices and patient care. 5) Describe the major research studies regarding social class and mental disorder. Answer: Research on the relationship between social class and mental disorder has been extensive, with several major studies contributing significantly to our understanding of this complex relationship. Here are some key studies: 1. Durkheim's Study on Suicide (1897): • Émile Durkheim's classic study on suicide examined the social factors influencing suicide rates, including socioeconomic status. He found that suicide rates varied by social class, with higher rates observed among individuals in lower socioeconomic groups. Durkheim's work laid foundational groundwork for understanding how social factors, including social class, can impact mental health outcomes. 2. Hollingshead and Redlich's Social Class and Mental Illness (1958): • This landmark study by August B. Hollingshead and Fredrick C. Redlich investigated the relationship between social class and mental illness in New Haven, Connecticut. They developed a Social Class Index (based on occupation and education) and found a gradient in mental illness rates across social classes, with higher prevalence rates among individuals in lower socioeconomic classes. 3. Midtown Manhattan Study (Rosenhan Experiment, 1973): • Although not focused solely on social class, David Rosenhan's study highlighted issues in psychiatric diagnosis and the labeling of individuals as mentally ill. It revealed how social context and expectations can influence psychiatric diagnosis, which has implications for understanding disparities in diagnosis and treatment based on social class. 4. British National Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys (1993, 2000, 2007): • These surveys, conducted in the United Kingdom, provided comprehensive data on the prevalence of mental disorders across different socioeconomic groups. They highlighted disparities in mental health outcomes by socioeconomic status, showing higher rates of mental disorders among individuals in lower socioeconomic groups compared to higher ones. 5. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study (1998): • While not exclusively focused on social class, the ACEs study demonstrated the profound impact of early life adversity, which is often correlated with lower socioeconomic status, on mental health outcomes across the lifespan. It underscored how socioeconomic disadvantage in childhood can contribute to increased risk of mental health problems in adulthood. 6. Whitehall Studies (1967-present): • The Whitehall Studies, initiated by Michael Marmot and colleagues, examined the social determinants of health, including mental health, among British civil servants. These longitudinal studies have consistently shown a social gradient in health outcomes, with higher rates of mental health issues among those in lower grades of employment, despite all participants having relatively high socioeconomic status compared to the general population. These studies collectively illustrate the intricate relationship between social class and mental disorder, highlighting how socioeconomic factors influence mental health outcomes through various pathways such as stress, access to resources, social support, and exposure to adverse environments. They have contributed significantly to policy discussions, clinical practices, and theoretical frameworks aimed at addressing mental health disparities related to socioeconomic status. Chapter 7: Mental Disorder: Age, Gender, and Marital Status Test Questions Part I. Multiple Choice Questions Circle the response that best answers the following questions. 1) The relationship between age and mental illness is important because _________. A) an aging population increases the need for mental health services B) symptoms differ across various age groups C) age increases physical health problems D) men and women have different life expectancies Answer: A 2) The National Comorbidity Surveys found that the highest prevalence of mental disorder is typically found in which of the following age groups? A) 18-25 years old B) 25-34 years old C) 35-44 years old D) 45-60 years old Answer: B 3) The highest percent of patients with depressive disorders who are in state and county mental hospitals are __________ years old. A) under 18 B) 18-25 C) 26-45 D) over 60 Answer: A 4) Approximately __________ percent of persons between the ages of nine and seventeen have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder. A) 5 B) 13 C) 20 D) 41 Answer: C 5) The most common mental disorder among youth is __________. A) depressive disorders B) bipolar disorders C) schizophrenia D) anxiety disorders Answer: D 6) What is the result of childhood abuse on later life? A) Uniformly, children suffer from mental disorder following childhood abuse. B) Children respond differently to childhood abuse. C) Children who suffer from childhood abuse have significant negative consequences in later life. D) The consequences of childhood abuse are typically short term only. Answer: B 7) The greatest proportion of persons with a mental disorder belongs to which age group? A) young children B) young adults C) middle-aged adults D) older adults Answer: B 8) According to Mirowsky and Ross’s research, people in there __________ are most free of depression. A) 20s and 30s B) 30s and 40s C) 40s and 50s D) 50s and 60s Answer: C 9) Why are persons in the 40s and 50s least likely to suffer from depression, according to Mirowsky and Ross’s research? A) This age groups has the most control over their own lives. B) This age group has the least dependent on their wellbeing. C) This age group has the highest levels of social support. D) This age group has the best access to health care. Answer: A 10) Among children, the most common mental disorder is __________. Among older adults, the most common mental disorder is __________. A) anxiety; anxiety B) depression; anxiety C) anxiety; depression D) depression; depression Answer: A 11) Which of the following statements about aging and depression is correct? A) Aging alone causes an increase in rates of depression among adults. B) Aging increases the exposure to social risk factors that increases the rates of depression among adults. C) Aging causes depression among older adults, which increases exposure to social risk factors. D) Social risk factors increase aging, which increases rates of depression among adults. Answer: B 12) Which of the following conclusions about gender and mental disorder is correct? A) Men and women have similar rates of depression. B) Women are more likely to have schizophrenia than men. C) Men have higher rates of personality disorders than women. D) Men and women have similar rates of anxiety disorders. Answer: C 13) Gender differences in mental disorder remains valid across __________. A) culture and time B) culture and age C) time and age D) time and age and culture Answer: D 14) Women tend to __________ their feelings of mental distress and men tend to __________ their feelings of mental distress. A) externalize; internalize B) internalize; externalize C) mirror; compartmentalize D) compartmentalize; mirror Answer: B 15) Regarding gender and mental disorder, past studies of gender and mental disorder found __________ and more recent studies found __________. A) no gender difference; women are more vulnerable than men B) no gender difference; men are more vulnerable than women C) women are more vulnerable than men; no gender difference D) women are more vulnerable than men; men are more vulnerable than women Answer: A 16) __________ have higher rates of mental disorder and __________ have higher rates of mental hospital admissions. A) Women; men B) Women; women C) Men; men D) Men; women Answer: A 17) In a study of the “double standard” in mental health, Broverman found that __________. A) The ideal adult personality was similar to that of the male. B) The ideal adult personality was similar to that of the female. C) The ideal male personality was similar to that of the female. D) The ideal adult personality was similar to neither the female nor the male. Answer: A 18) Married people have __________ mental health than unmarried people. A) better B) much worse C) a little worse D) the same Answer: A 19) Which of the following social factors is the weakest predictor of mental disorder? A) social class B) gender C) race D) marital status Answer: D 20) Overall, research suggests that marriage __________ in psychological well-being. A) does not make a difference B) does make a difference C) makes a differences only for women D) makes a small difference for white couples Answer: B 21) Couples in __________ relationships appear to have the best mental health. A) new marriage B) happy marriage C) long-term cohabiting D) sexually fulfilling cohabiting Answer: B 22) The __________ explanation suggests that mentally healthy people are more likely to get married than mentally unhealthy persons. A) social selection B) status C) symptomatic D) systemic Answer: A 23) Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the research on gender and mental disorder? A) The gender difference in mental disorder is related to both biological and social factors. B) Gender differences in mental disorder are controversial and there is limited agreement about the explanations for these differences. C) Biological factors account for the greatest proportion of gender difference in mental disorder. D) Definitive conclusions about gender differences are clear and suggest that social factors are the biggest contributors. Answer: A 24) __________ is slightly more common among women than among men. A) Alzheimer’s B) Personality disorders C) Schizophrenia D) Substance-related disorders Answer: A 25) Which of the following trajectories accurately reflects the changes in mental disorder by age? A) Prevalence consistently increases from childhood through adulthood. B) Prevalence consistently decreases from childhood through adulthood. C) Prevalence increases from childhood to young adulthood then decreases. D) Prevalence decreases from childhood to young adulthood then increases. Answer: C Part II. Essay Questions Answer the following questions in your own words. 1) Describe how mental disorders vary by age. Answer: Mental disorders vary significantly across different stages of life, reflecting the diverse developmental challenges, transitions, and biological changes that occur with age. Here’s an overview of how mental disorders can vary by age: 1. Children and Adolescents (0-18 years): • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Commonly diagnosed in childhood, characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. • Behavioral Disorders: Conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder are examples of disruptive behavior disorders that often manifest in childhood and adolescence. • Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and specific phobias are prevalent in children and adolescents. • Depressive Disorders: While less common than in adults, depression can occur in children and adolescents, often presenting with irritability, behavioral problems, and academic decline. • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors. 2. Young Adults (18-25 years): • Substance Use Disorders: Young adulthood is a period of increased risk for experimentation and development of substance use disorders. • Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: Rates of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders remain high in young adulthood, often influenced by academic stress, peer relationships, and transitions into independent living. • Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder often begin or peak during late adolescence and young adulthood. • Psychotic Disorders: Onset of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia may occur during this period, although it's less common than in later adulthood. 3. Adults (26-64 years): • Depressive Disorders: Major depressive disorder is prevalent across adulthood, influenced by life events, stressors, and genetic predispositions. • Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias continue to be common in adulthood. • Substance Use Disorders: Continued risk for substance abuse and dependence, influenced by environmental, genetic, and psychosocial factors. • Psychotic Disorders: Onset of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders may occur, typically in early adulthood or early thirties. • Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by episodes of mood swings, ranging from depressive lows to manic highs, which can manifest during adulthood. 4. Older Adults (65+ years): • Neurocognitive Disorders: Including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, which are more prevalent as individuals age. • Depressive Disorders: Depression can occur in older adults, often associated with chronic illness, social isolation, or bereavement. • Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder and phobias can persist into older age, exacerbated by health concerns and life changes. • Substance Use Disorders: May involve prescription medication misuse or alcohol abuse, particularly in the context of managing chronic health conditions and social isolation. These age-related variations in mental disorders highlight the importance of considering developmental stages, life circumstances, and biological factors when assessing and treating mental health conditions. Early intervention, appropriate support systems, and age-specific treatment approaches are crucial in addressing mental health needs across the lifespan. 2) What does research say about gender differences in mental disorder? Answer: Research on gender differences in mental disorders consistently highlights several important findings: 1. Prevalence Rates: • Women generally have higher rates of certain mental disorders compared to men. This includes mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Women are also more likely to experience eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. 2. Course and Presentation: • The course and presentation of mental disorders can vary by gender. For example, women tend to experience more frequent and longer-lasting episodes of depression compared to men. They also report higher levels of symptoms related to anxiety and stress disorders. • Men, on the other hand, may be more likely to externalize symptoms of distress, leading to behaviors such as aggression, substance abuse, and antisocial behavior. This can sometimes result in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of certain mental disorders in men. 3. Risk Factors: • Gender-specific risk factors contribute to differences in mental health outcomes. For instance, women are more likely to report experiencing sexual and physical abuse, which are significant risk factors for developing mental disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. • Men may face different societal expectations and stressors related to traditional masculine roles, which can influence their mental health. Issues such as work-related stress, financial pressures, and difficulties in seeking help due to stigma may impact their mental well-being. 4. Suicide Risk: • While women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to die by suicide. This difference is influenced by various factors, including the methods chosen (men tend to choose more lethal methods), access to social support, and help-seeking behaviors. 5. Response to Treatment: • Research suggests that men and women may respond differently to treatment for mental disorders. For example, women may be more responsive to certain types of psychotherapy, while men may benefit more from pharmacological interventions in some cases. • Gender-specific considerations in treatment planning and implementation can improve outcomes by addressing individual needs and preferences. 6. Biological and Social Factors: • Biological differences, including hormonal fluctuations, neurobiological factors, and genetic predispositions, may contribute to varying vulnerability to certain mental disorders between genders. • Social factors, such as gender roles, societal expectations, discrimination, and access to healthcare, also play significant roles in shaping mental health outcomes across genders. In summary, understanding gender differences in mental disorders is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, and treatment approaches that address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals of different genders. This research underscores the importance of considering both biological and social factors in the assessment and management of mental health issues. 3) Why are men more likely to be admitted to mental hospitals than women? Answer: There are several factors that contribute to the higher likelihood of men being admitted to mental hospitals compared to women: 1. Type and Severity of Disorders: Men may be more likely to experience certain types of mental disorders that require hospitalization due to their presentation or severity. For example, men have higher rates of substance use disorders, which can lead to acute episodes requiring medical intervention and detoxification in a hospital setting. 2. Risk of Violence and Aggression: Men are more likely to exhibit externalizing behaviors such as aggression and violence during periods of acute mental health crises. This behavior can pose a risk to themselves or others, necessitating hospital admission for safety reasons and intensive psychiatric management. 3. Help-Seeking Behaviors: Men are generally less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women. As a result, when men do seek help, their conditions may have progressed to a more severe state, requiring hospitalization for stabilization and treatment. 4. Social and Cultural Factors: Traditional masculine norms and societal expectations may discourage men from acknowledging or expressing vulnerability related to mental health concerns. This reluctance to seek help early can contribute to a crisis situation that requires emergency or inpatient psychiatric care. 5. Access to Care: Men may face barriers in accessing outpatient mental health services due to factors such as stigma, lack of awareness about available resources, financial constraints, or logistical challenges. This can lead to delayed treatment and eventual admission to a mental hospital when symptoms become unmanageable. 6. Suicidal Behavior: While women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to die by suicide due to their choice of more lethal methods. When men present with suicidal behavior or ideation that is deemed serious or imminent, they may be admitted to a mental hospital for intensive monitoring and intervention. 7. Legal and Forensic Issues: In some cases, men may be admitted to mental hospitals as a result of legal or forensic circumstances, such as being deemed mentally unfit to stand trial or requiring psychiatric evaluation and treatment within a legal framework. Overall, the higher likelihood of men being admitted to mental hospitals reflects a combination of biological, social, and cultural factors that influence mental health outcomes and help-seeking behaviors. Addressing these factors requires strategies that promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, improve access to early intervention services, and provide tailored support for men's mental health needs. 4) Describe the “double standard” in mental health. Answer: The "double standard" in mental health refers to the differential attitudes, perceptions, and treatment of mental health issues based on gender. This phenomenon reflects societal norms, stereotypes, and expectations that influence how mental health is understood, diagnosed, and responded to in men versus women. Here are several key aspects of the double standard in mental health: 1. Expression of Symptoms: • Men: There is often an expectation that men should exhibit strength, resilience, and emotional stoicism. As a result, men may be less likely to express vulnerability or seek help for mental health issues due to fears of being perceived as weak or unmanly. • Women: Women are generally more socially accepted and expected to express emotions, seek support, and discuss their mental health concerns openly. This may lead to earlier recognition and intervention for mental health problems in women compared to men. 2. Diagnosis and Labeling: • Men: Mental health symptoms in men may be interpreted differently or overlooked due to societal perceptions of masculinity. For example, symptoms of depression or anxiety in men might be dismissed as anger, aggression, or behavioral issues rather than recognized as manifestations of an underlying mental disorder. • Women: Women are more likely to receive mental health diagnoses, partly because they may more readily seek help and express emotional distress. However, there can also be stereotypes where women's symptoms are sometimes minimized or attributed to hormonal factors rather than treated seriously as mental health issues. 3. Treatment and Support: • Men: Due to reluctance in seeking help and potential misinterpretation of symptoms, men may face delays in accessing appropriate mental health treatment. There can be a lack of targeted interventions or support systems that address men's unique mental health needs. • Women: While women may more readily access mental health services, they may encounter challenges related to the adequacy and quality of care, as well as stigma associated with certain diagnoses (e.g., borderline personality disorder). 4. Impact of Stigma: • Men: Stigma around mental health issues may be particularly pronounced for men, who may fear repercussions in their professional and personal lives if they disclose mental health concerns. This can contribute to a reluctance to seek help until symptoms become severe. • Women: While women may face stigma as well, societal norms often encourage them to seek emotional support and medical care, which may mitigate some of the negative impacts of stigma compared to men. 5. Suicide and Help-Seeking Behaviors: • Men: Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, partly due to the use of more lethal methods and lower rates of seeking help for mental health issues. The stigma surrounding mental health and the reluctance to seek help contribute to this disparity. • Women: Women are more likely to attempt suicide, but their attempts are often less lethal and more likely to be reported and addressed, potentially leading to earlier intervention and support. Addressing the double standard in mental health involves challenging stereotypes, promoting gender-sensitive approaches to mental health care, and encouraging open dialogue about mental health across genders. It requires recognizing and responding to the unique barriers and challenges faced by men and women in seeking and receiving mental health treatment and support. 5) What is the selection effect in regards to marital status and mental health? Answer: The selection effect in the context of marital status and mental health refers to the idea that individuals' mental health status can influence their likelihood of entering into or remaining in a particular marital status (such as being married, divorced, or single). This effect suggests that mental health issues may act as a selection factor influencing marital outcomes. Here’s how the selection effect operates in relation to marital status and mental health: 1. Positive Selection: • Healthy Marriage Selection: This occurs when individuals with better mental health are more likely to enter into and maintain stable marriages. Good mental health can enhance interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and overall well-being, which are conducive to forming and sustaining marital partnerships. 2. Negative Selection: • Marital Dissolution: Individuals experiencing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders, may be more likely to experience marital problems and divorce. Mental health issues can strain relationships, contribute to conflict, and reduce relationship satisfaction, leading to higher rates of marital dissolution. 3. Bi-Directional Influence: • The relationship between mental health and marital status is bi-directional, meaning that not only does mental health influence marital outcomes, but marital status can also impact mental health. For instance, marital stress or conflict can exacerbate existing mental health problems or contribute to the onset of new ones. 4. Mechanisms of Selection: • Social Support: Marriage often provides emotional support, companionship, and practical assistance, which can benefit mental health. Individuals with better mental health may be better equipped to engage in and maintain these supportive relationships. • Stress and Coping: Mental health issues can increase stress and impair coping mechanisms, affecting relationship quality and marital stability. This can lead to higher rates of divorce or separation among individuals with poor mental health. • Health Behaviors: Mental health conditions can influence health behaviors such as substance abuse, which can strain marriages and contribute to divorce. 5. Research Findings: • Research has shown that individuals with mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders, are more likely to experience marital dissatisfaction, conflict, and divorce compared to those without such issues. • Conversely, stable and supportive marriages can promote mental well-being and serve as protective factors against the development or worsening of mental health problems. Understanding the selection effect in marital status and mental health underscores the importance of considering individual mental health status when studying marital outcomes. It highlights the complex interplay between mental health, social relationships, and marital stability, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to support mental health and healthy relationship functioning. Test Bank for Sociology of Mental Disorder William C. Cockerham 9780205960927