30.

Explain abnormal behaviour from the perspective of a socio-cultural model.

According to the socio-cultural model, abnormal behaviour is best understood in light of the social and cultural forces that influence an individual

1. Socio-cultural factors such as wars and violence, group prejudice and discrimination, economic and employment problems and rapid social change, put stress on most of us and can lead to psychological problems in some individuals.
2. Certain family structures are likely to produce abnormal functioning in members e.g. families which are over-involved with each other have children who may have difficulty in becoming independent in life.
3. Social and professional relationships also play an important role.
4. People who are isolated and lack social support are likely to become more depressed and remain depressed longer than those who have a good friendship.
5. Societal labels and roles assigned to troubled people also cause abnormal functioning.
6. When people break the norms of their society they are called deviant and „mentally ill‟ and people may start behaving and living up to these labels.