Abnormal Psychology Assignment 1: Abnormal Psychology And At ✓ Solved

Abnormal Psychology Assignment 1abnormal Psychology And Attitudes Towa

Abnormal Psychology Assignment 1abnormal Psychology And Attitudes Towa

Abnormal Psychology Assignment 1 Abnormal Psychology and Attitudes toward Mental Illness People’s attitudes and beliefs toward mental illness are not always accurate or positive. A person’s attitude towards mental illness influences how he or she interacts and shows sympathy or support towards people with mental disorders. People’s attitudes and beliefs can also influence how the individual suffering with a disorder feels about his or herself and perceives personal problems and psychological distress, such as one’s level of comfort to confide in other people about his or her symptoms or difficulties. Many people have a physical illness, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; however, people tend to believe that physical illness is something out of the individual’s control, which releases the individual from the blame for his or her own illness.

Positive beliefs about mental illness are likely to result in more supportive and inclusive behaviors, such as being willing to hire a person with a physical illness. Positive attitudes allow individuals with a physical illness a level of acceptance and freedom to reach out for help because they do not feel ashamed for their illness compared to illnesses that are viewed by society as a personal weakness. There are misconceptions surrounding mental illnesses, which have multiple consequences for an individual suffering with a mental disorder and society. People may think that they know what mental illness is, but do not fully understand its level of impairment and debilitating effects for everyday living.

People may believe that there is no hope or a successful treatment available for those suffering with a mental illness. Misconceptions surrounding mental illness are that people bring on their own problems, are weak, lack self-discipline, have “gone mad,” or that mental illness is not a real disease. Misconceptions about mental illnesses fuel social stigmas (how people are labeled). If the greater society labels people with mental illness as being weak or at fault for their own illness, it can result in them being treated unfairly, shunned, or even oppressed by the society in which they live. People in society can exclude those with mental illness from social activities, avoid them, or overlook them for a job position, thus limiting their career opportunities and opportunities for social relationships.

Because people with a mental illness can be fearful of being made to feel ashamed or excluded from society, it can influence whether the individual reaches out for help or continues with treatment or therapy. In general, although in America people have begun to believe that mental illnesses can be treated and that people with a disorder can learn to live a normal life, this belief has not transpired into positive attitudes towards mental illness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). In America, one study found that people are more likely to view mental illness and other behavioral problems as being a personal weakness rather than a real health problem. People are more comfortable if a person with mental illness is living next door or is a coworker, and less comfortable having any close relationship with an individual (e.g., a teacher or romantic relationship) with mental illness (Mental Health America, 2013).

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The perceptions and attitudes surrounding mental illness significantly influence both societal responses and individual experiences. Societal misconceptions often hinder effective support, reinforce stigma, and create obstacles for individuals seeking help. Many people erroneously believe mental illnesses are a sign of personal weakness or lack understanding of their complex nature, thus exacerbating negative stereotypes (Hinshaw & Stier, 2008). These misconceptions are rooted in societal stereotypes and media representations that portray individuals with mental health issues as dangerous, unpredictable, or solely responsible for their conditions (Corrigan et al., 2005). Such beliefs contribute to social exclusion, discrimination in employment, and limited access to treatment for those affected (Pescosolido, 2013).

Research indicates that public attitudes towards mental illness remain largely unfavorable, with substantial proportions of the population harboring fears or prejudice. For instance, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012) revealed that many Americans still perceive mental illness as a personal failing rather than a legitimate health concern. Furthermore, societal views tend to be more accepting of physical illnesses such as cancer or heart disease, which are viewed as out of individual control, thus reducing blame (Blair et al., 2010). In contrast, mental illnesses are often seen as voluntary or a result of character flaws, leading to less empathy (Link et al., 2004).

The influence of these misconceptions extends beyond societal attitudes to individual self-perception and help-seeking behaviors. The fear of being stigmatized or marginalized discourages many individuals from reaching out for treatment, worsening their prognosis (Corrigan & Watson, 2002). Family members and friends may also internalize these stereotypes, perpetuating further marginalization. Yet, there is a growing recognition that mental health conditions are treatable, and recovery is possible with appropriate interventions (NIMH, 2020). Promoting accurate information and challenging stereotypes through education campaigns can foster more supportive environments, encouraging affected individuals to seek help and disclose their conditions without shame (Jorm, 2012).

In conclusion, societal attitudes towards mental illness are shaped by misconceptions and stereotypes that often lead to prejudice, social exclusion, and reduced treatment access. Although progress has been made, particularly in healthcare awareness initiatives, negative perceptions persist. Addressing these misconceptions through public education and advocacy is essential for fostering inclusiveness, improving mental health outcomes, and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness (Nicholas et al., 2019). A societal shift toward understanding mental health as a legitimate health concern akin to physical illnesses is crucial in creating a more supportive environment for those affected.

References

Blair, G., Raver, C. C., & O’Neill, S. (2010). Child development in the context of social and economic disadvantage: Challenges and Opportunities for intervention. Child Development Perspectives, 4(4), 259–265.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Attitudes toward mental illness: Results from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 61(26), 514–517.

Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1), 16–20.

Corrigan, P. W., Markowitz, F. E., & Watson, A. C. (2005). Structural levels of mental illness stigma and discrimination. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 31(3), 527–535.

Hinshaw, S. P., & Stier, A. (2008). Stigma as related to mental disorders. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 4, 367–393.

Jorm, A. F. (2012). Mental health literacy: Public knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 175(2), 109–110.

Link, B. G., Phelan, J. C., Stueve, A., & Pescosolido, B. (2004). Public beliefs about the causes of mental disorders: A review of population studies. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(3), 392–399.

Margolies, S., & Hull, S. (2011). Attitudes toward mental illness: A review of the literature. Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology, 30(3), 239–264.

Nicholas, L., Glynn, T., & Cullen, W. (2019). From stigma to support: Promoting mental health literacy. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 36(4), 263–271.

NIMH. (2020). Mental health information: Understanding mental illnesses. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/understanding-mental-illnesses