Linda Jones Dr. Harold Beaman
PSYCH/650-Psychopathology
March 2, 2015
Introduction
In principle, psychopathology is the scientific study of mental disorders and their origin; in addition, this field of study examines the causes, development, and possible treatment for the disorders. Essentially, psychopathology encompasses three aspects that are considered as directly related to the mental disorders. These facets include the biological considerations, social issues, and psychological aspects of any mental condition. In fact, the initial perception of mental illness was associated with religious issues such as possession by demons and evil spirits. However, famous ancient physicians like Hippocrates and Plato would disrepute this perception gradually transforming the view of mental disorders and its causes (Gutting 2008). In this regard, the research into the causes of mental disorders would shift focus from the religious beliefs to a more scientific approach. In respect to modern day research on mental disorders, this essay attempts to investigate the perception and causes of psycho – pathology.
Culture as a Factor Determining Psychopathology
Ostensibly, cultural beliefs, traditions, norms, and values have direct effects on the development of psycho- pathology (Rana & Sharma 2013). In effect, these impacts are referred to pathogenic cultural implications. Notably, cultural beliefs were entrenched in the human mind so much so that breaking any taboo was viewed as gross misconduct warranting mental illness. In this regard, cultural portrayal of mental illness was based on the breaking of a taboo. However, scientific research explains that it is the anxiety that follows the breaking of a taboo that causes the development of a mental disorder. Further, research shows that the kind of culture a mental patient comes from can largely
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