Thomas Scheff's labeling theory of mental illness argues that:

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Thomas Scheff's labeling theory of mental illness suggests that being labeled as eccentric or bizarre can lead to a person becoming mentally ill. This is because the label may result in the person being ostracized, leading them to internalize feelings of shame and anxiety that can manifest as symptoms of mental illness. Scheff does not argue that mental illness is entirely a social construction, but rather that social processes contribute to the development and perpetuation of mental health issues. He also acknowledges that there may be some biological or genetic factors that play a role in mental illness, but emphasizes the importance of considering the social context in which mental illness arises. Scheff's theory does not assert that mental illness is a myth or that it is distributed randomly in the population.

Thomas Scheff's Labeling Theory of Mental Illness Argues That