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17 Jun 2022
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Understanding Social Norms and Mental Health: Easy Examples and Cultural Beliefs
Cultural Dependence and Implications
The deviation from social norms definition faces significant challenges due to cultural differences in interpreting behaviors. This page explores how cultural factors affect the application of this definition and its potential consequences.
Cultural dependence is a major weakness of the deviation from social norms approach:
Example: In the UK, if someone reported hearing voices, it might be considered an auditory hallucination and a possible indication of schizophrenia. However, in certain parts of India, hearing voices could be viewed positively, such as communication from a deity.
This cultural variability demonstrates that an individual could be diagnosed with a mental illness while living in one culture but not in another. As a result, this definition and its criteria cannot be accurately applied across different cultures.
Highlight: The cultural dependence of this definition could lead to an over-diagnosis of mental health issues among Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic patients in the UK.
Research supports this concern:
Quote: "Research by Harrison et al suggested that those of West Indian origin were over-diagnosed with schizophrenia by white doctors in Bristol because of their ethnic background."
This finding underscores the potential for cultural misunderstandings and biases to influence mental health diagnoses when relying heavily on the deviation from social norms definition.
Vocabulary: Cultural factors affecting mental health refer to the various cultural beliefs, practices, and attitudes that influence how mental illness is perceived, diagnosed, and treated across different societies.
Understanding these cultural factors is crucial for developing more inclusive and accurate approaches to mental health assessment and treatment. It highlights the need for culturally competent healthcare providers and the importance of considering diverse perspectives in mental health research and practice.
Highlight: The impact of social and cultural attitudes to mental illness on individuals can be profound, affecting everything from self-perception to access to care and treatment outcomes.
Deviation from Social Norms: Definition and Evaluation
Deviation from social norms is a fundamental concept in psychology used to define abnormal behavior. This page explores the definition, provides examples, and evaluates its strengths and weaknesses.
Social norms are the expected and accepted ways of behaving within a specific context and culture. They serve to regulate normal social behavior and can be either implicit or explicit. All societies have expectations for how people should behave and think.
Example: Common social norms include practicing good manners and respecting personal space.
According to this definition, someone is considered abnormal when they do not follow or break these social norms. This concept can be linked to various disorders:
Example: Individuals with Tourette's syndrome may exhibit loud verbal tics in public, breaking implicit social norms such as not shouting in a shop. Similarly, people on the autism spectrum may struggle to read social cues and can be perceived as blunt, which deviates from typical social expectations.
Evaluation of this definition reveals both strengths and weaknesses:
- Strength: Identification and Intervention The deviation from social norms definition allows for the identification of individuals who may need help. Many people with mental illnesses are not aware that their behavior is unusual or that they require assistance. This definition enables others to distinguish between typical and atypical behavior, facilitating intervention and appropriate treatment.
- Weakness: Changing Social Norms Social norms change over time, which can affect the validity of this definition.
Example: In the 1940s and 1950s, an unmarried mother would have been considered to be breaking social norms and might have been classified as having a mental illness, potentially leading to sectioning under the Mental Health Act.
This example demonstrates that it's not the individual who has changed, but society's classification of the behavior, questioning the validity of using this definition alone to define abnormality.
Highlight: The cultural and temporal variability of social norms highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when defining and diagnosing mental health issues.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Social Norms and Mental Health: Easy Examples and Cultural Beliefs
Deviation from social normsis a key concept in psychology for defining abnormal behavior. This approach considers behaviors that diverge from societal expectations as potentially indicative of mental health issues. The definition's strengths and weaknesses are explored, including its ability... Show more
Cultural Dependence and Implications
The deviation from social norms definition faces significant challenges due to cultural differences in interpreting behaviors. This page explores how cultural factors affect the application of this definition and its potential consequences.
Cultural dependence is a major weakness of the deviation from social norms approach:
Example: In the UK, if someone reported hearing voices, it might be considered an auditory hallucination and a possible indication of schizophrenia. However, in certain parts of India, hearing voices could be viewed positively, such as communication from a deity.
This cultural variability demonstrates that an individual could be diagnosed with a mental illness while living in one culture but not in another. As a result, this definition and its criteria cannot be accurately applied across different cultures.
Highlight: The cultural dependence of this definition could lead to an over-diagnosis of mental health issues among Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic patients in the UK.
Research supports this concern:
Quote: "Research by Harrison et al suggested that those of West Indian origin were over-diagnosed with schizophrenia by white doctors in Bristol because of their ethnic background."
This finding underscores the potential for cultural misunderstandings and biases to influence mental health diagnoses when relying heavily on the deviation from social norms definition.
Vocabulary: Cultural factors affecting mental health refer to the various cultural beliefs, practices, and attitudes that influence how mental illness is perceived, diagnosed, and treated across different societies.
Understanding these cultural factors is crucial for developing more inclusive and accurate approaches to mental health assessment and treatment. It highlights the need for culturally competent healthcare providers and the importance of considering diverse perspectives in mental health research and practice.
Highlight: The impact of social and cultural attitudes to mental illness on individuals can be profound, affecting everything from self-perception to access to care and treatment outcomes.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Deviation from Social Norms: Definition and Evaluation
Deviation from social norms is a fundamental concept in psychology used to define abnormal behavior. This page explores the definition, provides examples, and evaluates its strengths and weaknesses.
Social norms are the expected and accepted ways of behaving within a specific context and culture. They serve to regulate normal social behavior and can be either implicit or explicit. All societies have expectations for how people should behave and think.
Example: Common social norms include practicing good manners and respecting personal space.
According to this definition, someone is considered abnormal when they do not follow or break these social norms. This concept can be linked to various disorders:
Example: Individuals with Tourette's syndrome may exhibit loud verbal tics in public, breaking implicit social norms such as not shouting in a shop. Similarly, people on the autism spectrum may struggle to read social cues and can be perceived as blunt, which deviates from typical social expectations.
Evaluation of this definition reveals both strengths and weaknesses:
- Strength: Identification and Intervention The deviation from social norms definition allows for the identification of individuals who may need help. Many people with mental illnesses are not aware that their behavior is unusual or that they require assistance. This definition enables others to distinguish between typical and atypical behavior, facilitating intervention and appropriate treatment.
- Weakness: Changing Social Norms Social norms change over time, which can affect the validity of this definition.
Example: In the 1940s and 1950s, an unmarried mother would have been considered to be breaking social norms and might have been classified as having a mental illness, potentially leading to sectioning under the Mental Health Act.
This example demonstrates that it's not the individual who has changed, but society's classification of the behavior, questioning the validity of using this definition alone to define abnormality.
Highlight: The cultural and temporal variability of social norms highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when defining and diagnosing mental health issues.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user