A Handbook for the Study of Mental Health: Social Contexts, Theories, and Systems

The 2nd edition of A Handbook for the Study of Mental Health: Contexts, Theories, and Systems provides a comprehensive review of the sociology of mental health, with chapters written by leading scholars and researchers. The volume presents an overview of historical, social, and institutional frameworks for understanding mental health and illness. Part I examines social factors that shape psychiatric diagnosis and the measurement of mental health and illness, the theories that explain the definition and treatment of mental disorders, and cultural variability in mental health. Part II investigates effects of social context on mental health and illness. Individual chapters consider the role of social statuses including class, gender, race, and age. Several chapters focus on the critical role played by stress, marriage, work, and social support, with a concluding chapter focusing on terrorism. Part III focuses on the organization, delivery, and evaluation of mental health services, including a discussion of the criminalization of mental illness, the mental health challenges posed by HIV, and the importance of stigma in meeting the mental health needs of individuals. A Handbook for the Study of Mental Health is a key research reference source that will be useful to both undergraduates and graduate students studying mental health and illness from any number of disciplines.