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Reading materials are chapter 1-2 and lecture video is attached. Suppose Pietro was hearing the voice of a deceased relative, and he was from a culture where such experiences were considered normal—or at least not abnormal. But he was distressed about hearing the voice, to the point where he was having a hard time doing his job. Should Pietro be considered to have a psychological disorder? If so, why? If not, why not? What additional information would you want to help you decide, if you weren't sure? Define the three criteria of diagnosis and consider culture (as discussed in lecture 1A) in your response.

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Psycho-cultural perspectives on psychological disorders suggest that the interpretation of symptoms can vary dramatically based on cultural context. In the case of Pietro, who hears the voice of a deceased relative, the diagnosis of a psychological disorder must be approached with sensitivity to cultural norms around voice-hearing experiences. This response will utilize the three criteria for diagnosing psychological disorders: dysfunction, distress, and deviance, while also considering cultural context.

The first criterion, dysfunction, refers to the impairment of an individual’s ability to function in daily life. If Pietro's voice hearing is interfering significantly with his work performance, it could indicate dysfunction. However, if, within his cultural framework, hearing voices does not impair functioning for many, this may not apply as a definitive criterion. The second criterion, distress, is also critical. If Pietro is experiencing significant emotional distress from the voice, this raises questions of psychological well-being. Even if his culture normalizes this experience, the distress he feels suggests that it is impacting his quality of life. Therefore, distress alone may lead us to contemplate psychological disorder, despite cultural acceptance.

The third criterion, deviance, pertains to whether the behavior is atypical or violates social norms. In some cultures, hearing the voices of the deceased can be seen as a form of communication, guidance, or spiritual connection. Thus, determining deviance becomes complicated when cultural beliefs are integrated. Therefore, the cultural context surrounding Pietro's experience is crucial in evaluating whether his symptoms align with societal norms or deviate significantly enough to classify as a disorder.

To reach a conclusion about Pietro’s psychological health, additional information would be beneficial. For example, understanding the cultural background of his community regarding voice-hearing, the ways in which this is typically received socially, and the historical context of such phenomena within his culture would add depth. Additionally, it would be pivotal to gather insights regarding how long Pietro has been experiencing these voices and any potential triggers that exacerbate his distress. Further exploration into any previous mental health history, coping strategies, or support systems would also be informative.

Considering the three criteria—dysfunction, distress, and deviance—within the cultural context within which Pietro lives can guide the decision regarding whether he should be considered to have a psychological disorder. If the experience is heavily distressing and affects his daily functioning, it signals the need for a more thorough evaluation. It’s essential to approach this determination without bias, understanding that cultural perceptions can significantly define what is considered 'normal' or 'disordered.'

Ultimately, it is critical to recognize the interplay of cultural relevance and personal experiences in mental health assessments. Should Pietro find adequate coping and understanding within his culture that mitigates his distress, recognition of his experiences as a normal part of his cultural identity might negate the classification of a disorder. Conversely, if he remains profoundly affected by his experiences, professional intervention may be warranted to assist him in navigating his turmoil.

References

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