Which of the following reflects a sociocultural perspective on the prevalence of GAD across populations? Question 14Select one: a. Women, ethnic minorities, and low-income individuals are more likely than other people to experience hypersensitivity to physiological sensations such as a racing heart. b. Women, ethnic minorities, and low-income individuals have less access to financial resources, educational and job opportunities, and positions of power compared to other individuals. c. Women, ethnic minorities, and low-income individuals greater biological vulnerabilities when exposed to stressors d. Women, ethnic minorities, and low-income individuals are more likely than other individuals to be reinforced for expressing affect
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b: Women, ethnic minorities, and low-income individuals have less access to financial resources, educational and job opportunities, and positions of power compared to other individuals.
Explanation:
The sociocultural perspective on the prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) focuses on how societal factors—such as social status, economic conditions, and cultural contexts—contribute to mental health outcomes. This perspective emphasizes that social inequities and disparities in access to resources can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental well-being.
In the case of GAD, individuals from marginalized groups (e.g., women, ethnic minorities, and low-income individuals) may face heightened levels of stress due to systemic social disadvantages. These include barriers to education, employment opportunities, financial security, and social mobility. Stress, in turn, is a known risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders. For example, not having access to quality healthcare, stable housing, or financial resources can create a constant state of worry or anxiety, which may increase the likelihood of developing GAD.
The other options listed (a, c, and d) address various aspects of biological, psychological, and behavioral factors, but they do not directly align with the sociocultural perspective, which specifically focuses on external social and cultural determinants.
- Option a discusses hypersensitivity to physiological sensations, which is more about individual psychological or physiological factors.
- Option c highlights biological vulnerabilities, which would be more aligned with a biological or medical perspective rather than a sociocultural one.
- Option d refers to the reinforcement of emotional expression, which can be relevant to some psychological theories, but it doesn’t directly relate to the sociocultural perspective’s focus on systemic inequalities.
Thus, b is the most fitting answer for a sociocultural perspective on the prevalence of GAD.
