Social Construction Of Mental Illness

Social Construction of Mental Illness

Introduction

It is logical to presume that all illnesses should be treated and diagnosed impartially, however, there is a tendency for some “illnesses” to be embedded with cultural connotations. The roots of these associations and how society responds to those affected with said illnesses, shapes the illness experience of those afflicted. With respect to mental illness, this experience is negative and degrading. Insight into how social constructionism contrasts medicine’s steadfast approach to treating mental illness can further shed light on the dichotomy between medicine and sociology.

Research on the social construction of mental illness can further help us gain understanding on the cultural meaning of illnesses, illness experience for the individual, and socially constructed “medical knowledge.” The research focuses on how social groups can alter norms and perceptions, contributing to a perceived social reality and knowledge. There lies a difference between disease and illness; the former being medically defined by professionals while the latter is socially characterized and defined. Medical definitions are rigidly and universally defined, whereas “illnesses” are dynamic in their nature and can be shaped by eras or culture at the time, thus giving insight into how perceptions evolve (APA, 9).

By looking at the impacts of the connotations of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, sociologists can trace how society responds to those diagnosed. Even though these types of illnesses can have the same impact on the individual in terms of strife compared to other illnesses, the way they are perceived leads to a skewed view of their value. Often, people associate certain illnesses with certain b...

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... behavioral treatment to allow success in interaction with others. Correct diagnosis and relaying accurate information to patients about their diagnosis and symptoms can prevent patients from mimicking behaviors socially constructed with the disease.

The most valuable anti-stigma initiative is raising awareness and correcting malapropisms and misrepresentations of those diagnosed with mental illnesses. Whether it be through the media, educational facilities, or through health professionals themselves, voices spoken against the stigma facilitates social inclusion and acceptance of the lonely sufferers. We, as a society, must yearn to redefine the concept of stigma and become more focused on treatment in the forms of health policy and research. The focus should not be on the stigma but reoriented towards helping the patient recover as much as feasibly possible.