Cultural and Ethical Considerations in Diagnosis
Check your understanding of the Reading in your packet (pages 23-31) and textbook pages (143-147)
INTRO TASK - Place the terms and phrases on the most appropriate side of the spectrum. Then answer the QUESTION that follows.
Etic
Emic
Cultural Influences
Biological Influences
Different disorders do exist between cultures
Different disorders do not exist between cultures
DSM III
DSM IV
Environmental Factors
Physical Factors
Social norms
Gender norms
Neurotransmitters
Brain Structures
Cultural Bound-syndromes
Medical Model
Universalism
Relativism
QUESTION: What are the consequences/implications of accepting one side of the spectrum over the other in terms of one of the
following: valid diagnosis, ethical issues, or treatment? Briefly explain.
Short Answer Questions - to complete as you do the reading in your packet (pages 23-31) ) and textbook pages (143-147)
1.
Describe what is meant by “institutionalization” and identify two negative effects of institutionalization that could
be discussed in an essay about ethical considerations of diagnosis.
2.
What is meant by a “cultural bound syndrome” and describe one example:
3.
What is meant by “reporting bias” and what is one example of reporting bias in diagnosis=
4.
What is meant by a “racial bias” and what is one example of racial or ethnic bias in diagnosis?
5.
Briefly distinguish between “under” or “over diagnosis” (same as underpathologization or
overpathologization) and the problems that these can lead to in terms of diagnosis of psychological disorders.
6. What is meant by a “cultural bias” in diagnosis and outline an example of cultural bias related to schizophrenia
diagnosis.
7. Describe one example of “cultural stereotyping” in British Psychiatry:
8.
In your own words, explain how the availability of “coping resources” available to a group of people impact the
prevalence of psychological disorders? Refer to at least one study or psychologist in your explanation.
9.
What is meant by the “drift hypothesis” and briefly explain how is it relevant to cultural or ethical considerations
in diagnosis.