Assignment Instructions/ Description
The Madness of Women (Choose 3 Questions to answer)
1) The final sentence of the first chapter states, “…madness for women is both a myth – a culturally constructed label for distress or deviance – and a real experience for many women, a reflection of deep discontent in response to the context of their lives.” How does this sentence resonate with you? How can madness be both a myth and a reality?2) Throughout the book the author posits a “material-discursive-intrapsychic model.” Describe this model in your own words. How is this model different from a social-construction model? What are the benefits of this model, as explained by the author? Do you agree with the author that this is the best model to use? Why or why not – be sure to provide specific examples.3) While hysteria is no longer a diagnosable disorder, what were the lasting consequences of 18th century psychiatric diagnoses?4) Chapter 2 explores several models (or explanations) for women’s increased diagnosis of depression, as compared to men. Name the models of explanation, summarize their arguments and evidence, and summarize the author’s challenges to that argument. In your opinion, are any of the models of explanation valid, or more valid than the others? Justify your answer with specific examples. 5) The author argues that science and medicine are not as objective as they claim. Do you agree/disagree? Why? Provide evidence to support your position.
Black Men and Depression Questions (Choose ONE question)6) Throughout the book, the author makes important distinctions about black men’s depression. How is black men’s depression different from other experiences of depression? What role does race/racism play in John’s depression? Be sure to comment on the role race occupies with respect to the etiology (cause), recognition of his illness, coping strategies, and treatment. 7) On pg. 41, the author writes, “I could tolerate almost all of the symptoms; I could even rationalize them as admirable character traits. If I refused to communicate, I was the strong, silent type. If I isolated myself from others, I was a self-sufficient lone wolf. If I found no pleasures in life, I was purifying myself by choosing the path of monastic self-sacrifice.” First, what reaction(s) did you have when reading this quote – what comes to mind for you? This quote suggests that society rewards men for not seeking-help, for ignoring their illness. Does this mean that masculinity itself is pathological? Is masculinity a psychological risk factor for developing depression? OVERALL QUESTION – ANSWER USING MULTIPLE SOURCES (Must answer this question)8) What role does isolation play in the etiology of depression? How do the effects of isolation differ with respect to gender, race, and culture? Support your answer with examples from multiple texts and/or films that we’ve read so far.
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