PSYC 307 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Labeling Theory, Irish Diaspora
Document Summary
Disorders that are observed in most cultures around the world. But: the way these disorders manifest varies significantly across cultures. Genetic relatives higher probability developing schizophrenia than average population. Prenatal exposure to certain risk factors increase probability of developing if genetically predisposed. Some anatomical differences in brain between participants with schizophrenia diagnosis vs. non schizophrenia show differences. Incidence and prevalence reports in the mid-20th century suggest western, rural ireland has a higher rate of schizophrenia than other parts of europe. Ethnographic study links post-potato famine irish diaspora in 1840"s, loss of status in farming & harsh parenting practices to this higher incidence (authoritarian) Some suggest shamanic practices in traditional belief systems are the result of underlying schizophrenic tendencies. Scheff"s (1996) labeling theory: argues that once assigned by a diagnosis, individuals who have been labeled as schizophrenic may be rewarded with attention and sympathy (reinforced) for behaving bizarrely.
