Context Minimisation

Question 1

Context Minimisation

Answer 1

The tendency to attribute causes of outcomes to individual differences in personality, motivation etc rather than considering the positive and negative effects of context.

Question 2

Seligman

Answer 2

Argues that psychology should focus on positive experiences and emotions that occur in wider groups and communities. When dealing with people, we need to develop an understanding of social influences on physical and mental health.

Question 3

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer 3

People actively interpret stimuli from the environment and integrate these interpretations with pre-existing mental models. We act towards objects in ways that are consistent with these models. This process facilitates individuals ability to adapt to changes in their environment.

Question 4

Social Context and Hazards

Answer 4

Social context influences factors involved in hazard preparedness such as participation, empowerment and trust. Eg Hawaii and Pele.

Question 5

Social Context and Organisation

Answer 5

Stress is often attributed to the type of work, however stress is often actually due to organisational factors and hassles. Focusing on the event alone means that we are not aware of the wider issues that may cause stress.

Question 6

Social Context and Mental Health

Answer 6

Despite objective criteria, diagnostic criteria are not always strictly applied across cultures. Eg Schizophrenia symptoms, differences in diagnosis of depression and schizophrenia across London and New York.