Myths surrounding mental illness Some people continue to believe that mental illness has been caused by family dysfunction. For example, there are those who may blame the mother of someone who...

Myths surrounding mental illness

Some people continue to believe that mental illness has been caused by family dysfunction. For example, there are those who may blame the mother of someone who develops schizophrenia, suggesting the way she communicates has confused the person to such an extent that their perceptions of reality have changed. Others will blame unemployment, homelessness or drug use.

Questions

1 Consider the ‘nature–nurture’ debate. To what extent do you think mental illness is a product of nature and a product of nurture? Why? 2 How could the cultural myth that contends that family dysfunction causes mental illness affect family relationships for those with mental health problems? 3 How could the cultural myth that family dysfunction causes mental illness affect the relationship between health professionals and the families of people with a mental illness?