Ritu, a Class 12 student in Pune, talks to three people for a class activity. Her neighbour describes a young man in the colony whose office moved to a new system of work. Months later, he still follows his old routine and cannot change his ways to suit what the new set-up asks of him. A family friend says that people call a woman nearby 'mad' only because her way of dressing and behaving is unlike that of other women in the colony. Ritu also learns that the young man's family knows a psychologist could help him, yet they will not visit one. They believe the neighbours would think less of the whole family.
The young man's family knows that help is available but will not consult a psychologist, as they believe others would think less of them. Which of the following names the reason for their behaviour?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Stigma attached to mental illness
Option (1) Stigma attached to mental illness — Correct. Stigma is the mark of shame attached to mental illness, which makes people hesitant to consult a doctor or psychologist. The family stays away for fear of losing respect, which is stigma at work.
Option (2) Ignorance about mental illness — Incorrect. Ignorance means not knowing about psychological disorders or their treatment. The family already knows a psychologist could help, so lack of knowledge is not the reason.
Option (3) Superstition about mental illness — Incorrect. Superstition means beliefs not based on reason, such as charms or omens about the illness. The family holds no such belief; they worry about what others will think.
Option (4) Belief in supernatural causes of mental illness — Incorrect. The supernatural view blames evil spirits or the devil and seeks help from an ojha. The family does not blame spirits; their worry is about the neighbours.
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