Mental health and mental illness in marginalized and underrepresented populations

Purpose and Objective: The objective of this assignment is to analyze mental health and/or mental illness within the context of marginalized and underrepresented populations. By connecting a course topic to a population that is marginalized based on cultural factors, not only will this extend and add depth to the understanding of mental health topics, but it will encourage greater understanding of the needs of that population. This will also elucidate challenges experienced when individuals from a marginalized group also experience mental health crises and possible related stigmas. The purpose is to critically examine how abnormality is defined and highlight contextual considerations that take into account what may be missed, misinterpreted, misunderstood, pathologized, criminalized, underdiagnosed, overdiagnosed, etc., for some groups. Additional goals are to become better informed, highlight current needs and issues among underrepresented populations, explore stigmas and misrepresentations of the underrepresented groups and their mental health experiences, and learn what the current literature is reporting on mental health as it relates to marginalized groups. Your Task: 1. Select a population that is marginalized based on cultural factors a. Race b. Ethnicity c. Gender d. Sexual orientation e. Age f. Socioeconomic status g. Ability status h. Religion i. Size j. Gender identity k. Etc. 2. Link a topic in class to a marginalized group (i.e., Latinx men and depression) 3. Find five peer-reviewed sources, within the last seven years, that relate to that relate to mental health, diagnosis and/or treatment of this topic and read them thoroughly. 4. Write a thorough and integrated summary of your articles, as they relate to your topic. Provided a focused, thorough, and scholarly review or critique of your topic, focusing particularly on areas that were not covered in class or that would highlight context, culture, new treatments, innovations, areas of new research in the field, and help you and your colleagues understand this topic in mental health in a way that is relevant. Recommended format (this is not required formatting, but may help guide your writing): a. Introduce your topic (i.e., Latinx men and depression) b. Highlight the main findings from the articles you’ve selected – be sure you’re synthesizing the information c. How does the information relate to: i. how we diagnose ii. the etiology of the disorder iii. what it tells us about treatment and prognosis iv. and what can we learn about context d. Synthesize to offer a new perspective e. Optional- areas for discussion Your paper should extend beyond a summary of the disorder, diagnosis or treatment, and would be better accomplished by focusing on a specific dimension in which you can more thoroughly focus (e.g., diagnostic considerations for women with antisocial personality disorders or treatment of Latinx men and depression). Your work should demonstrate a thorough analysis and synthesis of information. Other Instructions: Underrepresented Populations Papers: • Must be APA formatted • Written in 12-point font • Use required text as a source • Include five peer-reviewed sources • Be 5 - 7 pages in length • Include a title and reference page (not included in page-count)