Question 1

Which of the following is an example of indicated prevention of mental illness?
a. Interventions with entire populations of people
b. Interventions among those who have some symptoms but have not yet developed a mental illness
c. Interventions with people with a risk factor for mental illness who have not yet experienced mental illness
d. Interventions focused on a single indicator or problem behavior associated with a mental illness

Accepted Answer

Indicated prevention refers to interventions with individuals who have some symptoms but have not yet developed a mental illness. This approach helps to prevent the progression of symptoms into a full-blown mental illness.

Question 2

Programs that incorporate exercise into care for people with mental illness have been found to benefit quality of life, perhaps through improving self-esteem and creating social interactions. This is an example of:
a. Primary prevention
b. Secondary prevention
c. Tertiary prevention
d. Geriatric prevention

Tertiary prevention

Accepted Answer

This is an example of tertiary prevention, which aims to improve the quality of life for individuals who already have a mental illness. The exercise program is helping to manage the symptoms of the illness and improve overall well-being, rather than preventing the illness from occurring in the first place (primary prevention) or trying to catch and treat the illness early (secondary prevention). The term "geriatric prevention" is not relevant in this context, as it refers to preventative measures specifically aimed at the elderly population.

Question 3

The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 had several important consequences for the delivery of mental health services. One important consequence was:
a. Deinstitutionalization of care
b. Medicalization of mental illness
c. Integration of service delivery
d. More community-based psychiatric hospitals

Deinstitutionalization of care

Accepted Answer

The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 led to the deinstitutionalization of care, which means that people with mental illness were no longer automatically institutionalized in large mental hospitals. Instead, the act emphasized the importance of community-based treatment options and access to outpatient services. This made it possible for people with mental illness to receive care and support in their own communities, rather than being isolated from society in large, impersonal institutions.

Question 4

An example of an interpersonal level factor that affects mental illness:
a. Gender and age
b. Availability of ethnically diverse mental health care providers
c. Wellness programs in the workplace
d. Social networks and social support

Accepted Answer

Social networks and social support play a significant role in mental health. Having supportive social relationships can act as a buffer against stressors and reduce the likelihood of developing mental illness. On the other hand, social isolation and lack of social support can contribute to mental health problems. Therefore, social networks and support are an important interpersonal factor in mental illness. Options A, B, and C are all relevant factors, but they do not specifically influence mental illness at the interpersonal level.

Question 5

According to the social causation theory of the relationship between mental illness and social status, being in difficult circumstances, such as unemployed and divorced, leads to mental health problems.

Accepted Answer

The social causation theory posits that social factors, such as low social status and difficult life circumstances, can lead to an increased risk of mental illness. This theory suggests that individuals who experience unemployment, poverty, or other social stressors may be more likely to develop mental health problems.

Deck 18: Mental Health and Illness: a Public Health Perspective