05.01 History of Psychological Disorders—Sneak Peek

It is now time think like a scientist once again!

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Consider this excerpt from the U. S. Surgeon General’s Report Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity (2001):

Shame, stigma, and discrimination are major reasons why people with mental health problems avoid seeking treatment, regardless of their race or ethnicity. The effects of negative public attitudes and behaviors toward people with mental illness may be even more powerful for racial and ethnic minorities than for whites…For example, in some Asian American communities, the shame and stigma associated with the mental illness of one family member can affect the marriage and employment potential of other relatives. More research is needed to develop effective methods of overcoming this powerful barrier to getting people with mental health problems the help they need.
For this Psychology Field Journal entry, in two paragraphs, answer the following reflection questions thoroughly:

How does culture affect the identification and treatment of psychological disorders? Be sure to define culture and provide an example in your response.
Explain one strategy to reduce the stigma associated with seeking treatment for a psychological disorder.