CH 13: Well Being Flashcards
How do assumptions about normality affect women and men?
women are told what to fix, how to change and what they can do better to be more like men
What is the problem with current Birth Control
most aimed at changing women’s bodies
What is the problem with PMS?
It is seen as an abnormal condition that can be fixed, when it is a completely normal and natural part of a woman’s biorhythm
What can help explain mood differences during a woman’s cycle?
hormonal changes, social taboos against menstruation and social perceptions on PMS changes and the experiences of it
Why is PMS seen as an abnormality?
medically, it makes women different than men; what is considered normal is always in relation to men
What is the societal effect on women’s emotions during PMS?
It allows us to take women less seriously
What is the criteria for judging abnormality?
- statistical infrequency
- norm violation
- personal suffering/distress
- impairment of day-to-day functioning
Mental Disorder
behavior of psychological syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual that reflects an underlying psychological dysfunction
What is considered when determining if a condition is a mental disorder?
distress, disability, whether it is an expected response to a life event or social deviance
How do psychologists determine is a depressive episode is present?
need at least 5 symptoms for at least 2 weeks including depressed mood most days everyday, diminished interest, weight loss/gain, insomnia, agitation/retardation, fatigue/loss of energy
Why are women 4X more likely to be diagnosed with major depression?
2X more likely to report depressive symptoms
Pros of community surveys
large, representative samples
Cons of Community surveys
vulnerable to demand characteristics such as the possibility of men being less willing to report depression
Pros of Treatment facilities
trained technicians available
Cons of Treatment Facilities
men less willing o seek help?
What are possible reasons for Gender Differences in Depression?
clinician bias and response bias
Limitation of Psychoanalysis
assumptions about te defects of the female nature
Limitation of Humanistic Therapy
focuses on the individual and ignores social context of problem
Medical Model Limitations
drugs more likely to be prescribed to women
Feminist Therapy
views conflict, struggle and mental illness within the context of people’s lives
Why did Feminist Therapy arise?
grew out of noticing power imbalances in prevailing therapies
What is the goal of therapy?
reframing
