1.During a summer vacation, a family member or friend tells you that all mental health issues are purely biological in nature. Describe three distinct arguments you would make to counter this family member’s statement. In other words, what counterpoints would you give to highlight the socially constructed nature of mental illness? Give examples from class discussions and materials to support each argument.

QUESTION

Instructions: Choose 2 out of the 3 essay prompts below to answer. Be sure to answer each prompt in its entirety. Responses should range between 450-550 words.

This exam is open book, meaning you can use your notes while taking the exam. Because of this, it will be important to show critical engagement with the material in your responses.

Essay Prompts

1.During a summer vacation, a family member or friend tells you that all mental health issues are purely biological in nature. Describe three distinct arguments you would make to counter this family member’s statement. In other words, what counterpoints would you give to highlight the socially constructed nature of mental illness? Give examples from class discussions and materials to support each argument.

2.The stress process has become a leading theoretical framework in the sociology of mental health. In this essay, use the stress process model to explain how a current, broad scale event of your choosing (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in immigration policy) would influence the social distribution of health. In answering this question, be sure to describe the development and main themes of the stress process model. Also make sure to define each component of the model and provide examples of each component. End by discussing your opinion on how useful the stress process model is for explaining variations in mental health. Provide support for your position.

3.Choose a mental health disorder we’ve discussed in class (e.g., depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia) and describe how stigma may play a role in the life of someone diagnosed with the disorder. In answering this question, be sure to address: 1) theoretical frameworks for understanding stigma and labeling; 2) the definition of stigma; 3) why individuals stigmatize; 4) the mechanisms linking stigma to lived experiences; and 5) the six dimensions that differentiate stigmatizing circumstances. Also, be sure to tailor your response to the mental health disorder you choose.

ANSWER

The Social Construction of Mental Illness: Challenging the Biological Perspective

Introduction

Mental health is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, influenced by various factors including biological, psychological, and social dimensions. While acknowledging the biological basis of mental health issues, it is crucial to recognize the significant role of social factors in shaping the experience and understanding of mental illness. This essay aims to present three arguments that counter the claim that all mental health issues are purely biological in nature, emphasizing the socially constructed nature of mental illness.

Argument 1: Cultural Variation in Symptom Presentation

One important aspect to consider is the significant cultural variation in how mental health issues are manifested and understood. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a widely used classification system, has been criticized for its Western bias and cultural insensitivity (General, 2001). For instance, the expression of distress and symptoms of mental illness varies across cultures. In some cultures, somatic symptoms may be more prevalent, such as headaches or stomachaches, rather than psychological symptoms. This cultural variation suggests that mental health issues are not solely biological but are shaped by sociocultural factors.

Example: In our class discussions, we explored the cultural variations in symptom presentation of depression. While Western cultures often emphasize sadness and low mood, other cultures may emphasize physical symptoms like fatigue and body aches. This illustrates how social and cultural factors influence the manifestation and interpretation of mental health symptoms.

Argument 2: Social Determinants of Mental Health

Numerous social determinants, such as socioeconomic status, education, employment, and social support, significantly influence mental health outcomes (Braveman & Gottlieb, 2014). These factors are not solely biological but are deeply rooted in social structures and inequalities. Studies consistently show that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds face higher rates of mental health issues. This suggests that social factors play a crucial role in shaping mental health disparities.

Example: We discussed the impact of socioeconomic status on mental health in class. Lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher levels of stress, limited access to healthcare, and increased exposure to adverse environments. These social determinants contribute to the development and exacerbation of mental health issues, highlighting the interplay between social factors and mental well-being.

Argument 3: Stigma and Social Responses

Stigmatization is a significant social process that affects individuals with mental health issues. Stigma involves labeling, stereotyping, and discrimination, leading to negative attitudes and behaviors towards those experiencing mental illness. This social response to mental health perpetuates social exclusion, shame, and self-stigmatization, further complicating the experience of mental health issues.

Example: In our discussions on stigma, we learned about the “labeling theory” which suggests that once an individual is labeled with a mental health disorder, it becomes a central aspect of their identity (Ahmedani, 2011). This labeling process can lead to marginalization and self-esteem issues, impacting an individual’s well-being beyond the biological aspects of their condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mental health issues cannot be solely attributed to biological factors; they are socially constructed phenomena influenced by cultural variation, social determinants, and stigmatizing social responses. Recognizing the socially constructed nature of mental illness allows us to approach mental health from a holistic perspective, considering the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social dimensions. By embracing a multidimensional understanding, we can foster more inclusive and effective approaches to mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment.

References

Ahmedani, B. K. (2011, January 1). Mental Health Stigma: Society, Individuals, and the Profession. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3248273/ 

Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. M. (2014). The Social Determinants of Health: It’s Time to Consider the Causes of the Causes. Public Health Reports, 129(1_suppl2), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549141291s206 

General, O. O. T. S. (2001, August 1). Chapter 2 Culture Counts: The Influence of Culture and Society on Mental Health. Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44249/