Cultural Perspectives Exam 1

"What is the primary function of the DSM-5?"

"The DSM-5 standardizes the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders, aiding effective treatment and communication among mental health professionals."

"What is the Bio-Psycho-Social model?"

"This model states that mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, such as genetics, thoughts, and relationships."

"What is the Stress-Diathesis model?"

"This model suggests mental illnesses arise from the interaction of biological vulnerabilities and external stressors, like trauma."

"What is the difference between race and ethnicity?"

"Race is based on perceived physical traits, while ethnicity relates to shared cultural traits like language and traditions."

"What is cultural socialization?"

"Cultural socialization is the process of learning and internalizing cultural norms and values throughout life, shaping identity and belonging. - Definition: A lifelong developmental process of internalizing aspects of culture that enable individuals and families to have greater adaptability and competence in a given cultural milieu. Acquisition of cultural values, beliefs, customs, behaviors, and attitudes from family, peers, community and larger society • Influence children’s feelings of belonging in and affect toward identity groups May internalize multiple (+ and -) messages, leading to conflicting feelings about identity • Spectrum (from complete to incomplete) – depending on exposur"

"How do young children become aware of identity?"

"Children notice visible traits like skin color and learn about identity through adult responses to their questions about differences."

"What are the stages of racial awareness in children?"

"Racial awareness develops from noticing differences in infancy to expressing preferences and biases by preschool age. Infants (6 months): Notice racial differences. Toddlers (2 yrs): Use racial categories to reason about behavior. Preschoolers (3–5 yrs): Express racial preferences or bias. Ages 4–5: Peak awareness; comment openly about race."

"What are Erikson’s stages of development from ages 5 to 40?"

"Key stages include Industry vs. Inferiority (ages 5-12), Identity vs. Role Confusion (ages 12-18), and Intimacy vs. Isolation (ages 18-40). Industry vs. Inferiority (5–12): Developing competence and confidence. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12–18): Exploring values and “Who am I?” 3. Intimacy vs. Isolation (18–40): Building close, trusting relationships."

"What are James Marcia’s four identity statuses?"

"Marcia identified Diffusion, Foreclosure, Moratorium, and Achievement as statuses reflecting how individuals navigate identity. Diffusion: No exploration or commitment. Foreclosure: Commitment without exploration (accept others’ beliefs). Moratorium: Exploration without commitment. Achievement: Commitment after meaningful exploration."

"What are the stages in Cross’s model of Black racial identity?"

"Cross’s model includes Pre-Encounter, Encounter, Immersion/Emersion, Internalization, and Commitment stages of identity development. Pre-Encounter: Devalue own race, idealize White culture. Encounter: Disorienting event triggers identity shift (most important). Immersion/Emersion: Reject dominant culture, immerse in own. Internalization: Secure, confident racial identity. 5. Commitment: Channel identity into social justice action."

"Why do teens group by race or identity?"

"Teens group by race to find shared understanding and belonging, which helps reduce social stress and validate their experiences."

"What are alternatives to racial grouping among teens?"

"Alternatives include forming friendships based on shared interests, adopting 'Racelessness,' and creating inclusive communities. Attempting to be “raceless” • De-emphasizing racialized aspects of behavior • Language, food, customs • Becoming an “emissary” • Being the diplomatic “representative” of your group who interacts with people of other groups • Choosing a social group based on another equally or more salient aspect of identity • Rejecting groups entirely vs “not sitting at the table” • Building community through role models or created communities • Working through identity development"

"What is the significance of Jane Elliott’s experiment?"

"Elliott’s experiment showed how easily prejudice can be instilled through arbitrary characteristics, impacting behavior and self-perception. - With minimal priming of just saying they belonged to a certain group and making one superior/inferior to the other the third graders • identified with their group • discriminated/were discriminated against • the status given to them affected their abilities • shows systematic prejudice (i.e. racism) has an effect on performance and social behavior"

"What is minority stress?"

"Minority stress is the chronic stress experienced by stigmatized groups due to ongoing prejudice and discrimination, affecting mental health. - The chronic, socially-based stress experienced by stigmatized groups due to prejudice and discrimination. It is: Unique: Adds to everyday stress. Chronic: Persistent across life contexts. Socially Derived: Comes from institutions and norms, not just individuals."

"What is the difference between explicit and implicit bias?"

"Explicit bias is conscious and deliberate, while implicit bias operates unconsciously, influencing perceptions without awareness."

"What is the distinction between the reflective and automatic mind?"

"The reflective mind engages in conscious reasoning, while the automatic mind processes information instinctively, often leading to bias."

"How does Freud’s model relate to implicit bias?"

"Freud's model suggests implicit bias resides in the Id, influencing behavior unconsciously, often unrecognized by the Ego. - Id: Unconscious drives. Ego: Rational self balancing demands. Superego: Moral conscience. Implicit bias operates largely in the unconscious “Id” domain—automatic and unrecognized by the Ego."

"What is the Implicit Association Test (IAT)?"

"The IAT measures the speed of associations between words and social groups, revealing unconscious biases."

"What is the significance of the IAT?"

"The IAT uncovers implicit biases that can lead to unequal treatment in various sectors, even among those who reject prejudiced views."

"How can implicit bias be reduced?"

"Strategies include intergroup contact, counter-stereotype exposure, evaluative conditioning, and reflection to foster awareness. - • Intergroup contact : Increased exposure to stereotyped group in positive contexts reduced both implicit and explicit bias, which can also generalize to other stereotyped groups Counter-stereotype exposure: Exposure to countertypical exemplars who function as “debiasing agents” • Can be in person, via media, or imaginal • Evaluative conditioning • Pair attitude object with another valenced attitude object repeatedly • Reflection & Training • Noticing and inhibiting decisions that could be influenced by implicit bias –Implicit Bias Training • Note: Long-term change possible only through persistent effort"

"What methods can mitigate bias effects?"

"Mitigation methods include blinding, standardized processes, stress reduction, and reflection to activate rational decision-making. - Blinding • Create systems that blind decision maker to source of bias (eg: orchestras auditioning musicians behind a screen) • Criteria • Commit to certain criteria by which to make decisions (eg: hiring) • Guidelines • Follow strict structures that minimize influence of bias (eg: medical evaluation and treatment algorithms) • Reflection and Intention • Consciously acknowledge group and individual difference, routinely check thought process and decisions for possible bias (eg: safe!) • Stress • Reduce sources of stress during decision-making"

"Who is most affected by 'deaths of despair'?"

"'Deaths of despair' primarily affect middle-aged white Americans with lower educational attainment, linked to economic distress and social isolation."

"Describe the rising mortality rates among middle-aged White Americans since 1998."

"Since around 1998, there has been a concerning increase in mortality rates among middle-aged White Americans, primarily attributed to suicide, alcohol-related illnesses, and drug overdoses. This trend is closely linked to social and economic distress, as well as pervasive feelings of hopelessness. Factors such as job loss, economic instability, and a lack of social support contribute to this alarming public health issue, highlighting the need for targeted interventions."

"Define Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term effects."

"Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to early traumatic experiences such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. These experiences can significantly predict lifelong risks for various issues, including physical illnesses, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. The presence of supportive adults and stable environments can serve as protective factors, mitigating some of the negative impacts associated with ACEs and promoting resilience in affected individuals."

"Explain how J.D. Vance's experiences in Hillbilly Elegy illustrate ACEs and protective factors."

"In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his childhood marked by family instability and violence, which are classic examples of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Despite these challenges, he benefited from protective factors such as his grandmother's nurturing care, the discipline instilled by military service, and access to educational opportunities. His narrative reflects the struggle of reconciling his Appalachian roots with middle-class expectations, highlighting the stress of cultural adaptation."

"Describe the concept of stereotype threat and its psychological effects."

"Stereotype threat is the anxiety or fear of confirming a negative stereotype associated with one's social group. This psychological phenomenon can lead to increased anxiety, reduced working memory capacity, and ultimately lower performance in various tasks. For instance, women may perform worse on math tests when reminded of gender stereotypes. The pressure to disprove stereotypes can distract individuals, impairing their ability to focus and perform at their best."

"How does Brent Staples manage stereotype threat according to Whistling Vivaldi?"

"In 'Whistling Vivaldi,' Brent Staples illustrates his experience with stereotype threat by whistling classical music while walking at night. This behavior serves as a strategy to signal to others that he is not a threat, countering the negative stereotypes associated with being a Black man in a potentially dangerous situation. His actions reflect a constant need for vigilance and self-monitoring to navigate societal perceptions and avoid mistreatment based on stereotypes."

"Explain how stereotype threat can impair performance in academic and professional settings."

"Stereotype threat can significantly impair performance by inducing anxiety and requiring individuals to engage in self-monitoring, which divides their attention and consumes working memory resources. This heightened stress can lead to avoidance of challenging tasks or fields closely tied to one's identity, such as women opting out of STEM careers. Over time, repeated exposure to stereotype threat can diminish confidence and motivation, further exacerbating performance issues."

"What strategies can be employed to reduce stereotype threat in educational and professional environments?"

"To mitigate stereotype threat, several effective strategies can be implemented. These include providing mentorship and diverse role models to inspire individuals, emphasizing a growth mindset that promotes the idea that intelligence can be developed, and affirming personal values to enhance self-integrity. Additionally, delivering feedback with a belief in the individual's ability to meet high standards and fostering inclusive discussions can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote a supportive environment."

"From Hillbilly Elegy, be able to describe Vance’s life story in terms of ACEs, protective factors, and his identity formation / acculturation process"

"rotective Factors for JD Vance Attachment • Grandmother • Caregiver resilience • Grandmother has lived through abusive relationship • Social connections • Sister, grandmother • Concrete supports • Adequate housing, food, clothing, health care • Structure and predictability • Grandmother’s “house rules” that are enforced • Social and emotional competence • ?? • Future-orientation • A focus on academics, cultivation of a sense of meaning/purpose, developing perspective working at grocery story, seen as “capable,” ability to problem-solve on one’s own when necessary"

"Be able to define stereotype threat and describe studies of its impact on math achievement, and the ways it can be mitigated/lessened"

"Anxiety and self-monitoring divide attention, consume working memory, and increase stress. Repeated exposure leads to avoidance of challenging or identity-linked fields (e.g., women leaving STEM)."

"Understand the ways in which stereotype threat can impair performance"

"he threat (or pressure) from that stereotype being proven correct leads individuals to perform poorly on a tasks • Is the effort to push through the threat on timed test distracting enough to impair peformance despite extra effort? • Repeatedly frustrating to make an individual avoid tasks or situations (women avoiding math majors/careers)? (life choices)"

"Be able to describe ways to limit the impact of stereotype threat on individuals from marginalized groups"

"Mentorship – provides guidance and positive role models. Reminders of positive group identity – reinforce belonging and self-worth. Emphasize growth mindset – intelligence is expandable, not fixed. Affirm personal values – strengthens self-image and reduces vigilance. Constructive feedback style: Stay neutral and supportive. Begin with a positive comment. Note high standards and belief in student’s ability to meet them. Small mixed-group discussions: Encourage sharing and connection. Reduce segregation and vigilance. Improve academic performance and engagement."

"Know the definition of intersectionality"

"Interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination and oe differential advantage Coined by kimbrele crenshaw 1989; foundation of feminist thought"

"Be able to name the three categories of microaggressions and describe examples of each Category"

"Microassaults: explicit derogatory, consciously employed No hidden message; they are trying to hurt the person Microinsult: communication that conveys rudeness and insensitivity, demeaning an aspect of a person's identity but usually unconscious Microinvalidations: subtle comments or behaviors that exclude, negate, or dismiss the thoughts, feelings, or experiences of a marginalized person"

"Explain several factors that contributed to Misty Copeland’s ability to develop an integrated identity (and what might have hindered this development"

"Mentorship & Role Models: Early support from ballet teacher Cynthia Bradley. Guidance from Raven Wilkinson, a pioneering Black ballerina, validated her place in ballet. Ballet as an Outlet: Provided structure, discipline, and emotional expression during unstable childhood. Built confidence and self-expression. Embracing Differences: Reframed criticism of her athletic body as strength and individuality. Advocacy & Platform Use: Promoted diversity and accessibility in the arts. Used visibility to empower others and affirm her identity. Multi-Talented Career: Success as author, entrepreneur, and activist integrated her artistic, personal, and advocacy identities."

"What does intersectionality reveal about discrimination and privilege?"

"A: It shows that multiple social identities (e.g., being Black and a woman) interact to produce experiences that are greater than the sum of their parts — leading to compounded discrimination or layered privilege."

"How does intersectionality affect health outcomes?"

"t shows that intersecting identities (race, gender, sexuality) influence health disparities. For example, women of color experience compounded disadvantages from racism and sexism, resulting in worse physical and mental health outcomes."

"How does intersectionality apply to the film Moonlight?"

"The film explores how race, class, masculinity, and sexuality intersect in the life of Chiron, a young Black man growing up in poverty. His experiences with identity, love, and violence are shaped by overlapping systems of discrimination and expectations."

"What identities intersect in Moonlight’s protagonist, Chiron"

"Chiron’s race (Black), gender (male), sexuality (gay), and socioeconomic status (low income) intersect, creating unique struggles with acceptance, masculinity, and belonging."

"How does Moonlight portray the impact of intersectionality on mental health?"

"Chiron’s isolation, emotional suppression, and difficulty expressing vulnerability reflect how intersecting stigmas around race, masculinity, and sexuality affect psychological well-being."

"What are microaggressions?"

"Subtle, often automatic or unconscious insults directed at marginalized groups through words, behaviors, or actions. They are brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to people because of their group membership (Chester Pierce, 1970)."

"What is the difference between microaggressions and macroaggressions?"

"Micro” refers to everyday, subtle experiences (not small impact). “Macro” refers to institutionalized or physical aggression (e.g., systemic racism or violence)."

"Why are microaggressions powerful?"

"Because they are often invisible or unintentional, causing the recipient confusion, distress, and questioning of their own reactions."

"Define and give an example of a microassault."

"xplicit, conscious derogatory behavior meant to hurt. Example: Using racial slurs, telling someone they “don’t belong here,” or serving a white customer first. Hidden message: None — it’s overt."

"Define and give an example of a microinsult."

"Subtle, often unconscious comment that demeans someone’s identity. Example: “I think the most qualified person should get the job, regardless of race.” Hidden message: People of color are less qualified."

"Define and give an example of a microinvalidation"

"Comments that exclude or dismiss marginalized experiences. Example: Saying to a gay person, “Why do you always bring up being gay? We’re all just people.” Hidden message: Minimizes real experiences of bias and invalidates identity."

"Racial microassault examples?"

"Slurs, calling someone a “terrorist,” or purposefully avoiding them."

"Racial microinsult examples?"

"A: Comments on intelligence, citizenship (“You speak good English”), or assuming criminality."

"Racial microinvalidation examples?"

"A: “I don’t see color,” or “We all have the same opportunities.”"

"Short-term effects of microaggressions?"

"Isolation, frustration, lowered self-esteem, and questioning one’s own sensitivity."

"Long-term effects of microaggressions?"

"Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and high blood pressure."

"How do microaggressions affect academic and workplace performance?"

"They decrease motivation, increase alienation, and lower productivity and satisfaction."

"How do microaggressions affect LGBTIQ+ individuals?"

"Linked to increased risk of depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, and alcohol abuse; transgender people experience the highest risk."