When examining the etiology of mental illness one must look at many domains of knowledge as there is not one single causal factor involved. Historically, the areas of genetics, neuroscience, pharmacology and psychology have dominated the field but sociology is also a vital area that should not be overlooked. Recent significant advances in the sciences, the power that doctors hold in the field and the attractiveness of physical explanations are all reasons for this dominion. H

Now that the contributions and effects of social factors on mental illness have been explored, it is time to turn to the effects that mental illness has on ones life. In particular to the consequences that an individual’s mental illness poses to the social factors that surround them. A person living with a mental illness has many issues to deal with each day. Not only do they have to deal with the symptoms of their illness but they also have to try to cope with the consequences that come with it. These consequences typically are not positive in nature and can potentially have major negative impacts on their life.

At this point the attitudes and behaviors of others come into focus. They too like the previously discussed social conditions and situations that individuals experience are also social factors that affect mental illness. Attitudes and behaviors are very powerful tools that can be used to either help or hinder ones mental illness. Through the use of ridicule, abuse, stigma and discrimination those that suffer from mental illness can be made to feel more frustrated, depressed and even more physical pain than they would have from the illness alone (Mulvany, 2000). The stigmatization, rejection and social exclusion that they live with greatly contribute to an increase of the symptoms they suffer from. They feel alone and socially isolated, like they have nowhere to turn for help. Which in turn negatively impacts their illness (Goffman, 1961, as cited in Busfield, 2000). Positive attitudes and behaviors towards those who endure mental illness is one step forward in their recovery process (Weingarten, 1994, as cited in Markowitz, 2001).

Right along with the social isolation is poor social relationships. It becomes rather difficult for those with mental illnesses to form and maintain relationships with others when they are treated differently because of the illness and are constantly avoided. There are many people who are even unwilling to accept a mentally ill person as a new family member, coworker, friend or neighbor (Martin et al., 2000). This makes social interaction more difficult and results in withdrawal and rejection. Which leads to fewer relationships and puts strain on existing ones (Kark, 1996, as cited in Markowitz, 2001). All the while increasing the social isolation that they experience even more.

Social factors such as education, social environment, social relationships, self-concept, life satisfaction and socioeconomic status are tremendously important issues to scrutinize in the search for the causes of mental illness. When taken separately these social factors each have a significant impact on the development of mental illness. However, when taken together they exponentially increase the probability of contributing to it.

Some topics in this essay:
Stueve Pescosolido, Wright Silva, Dickinson Kosteniuk, Pescosolido Tuch, , mental illness, et al, social factors, markowitz 2001, et al 2000, al 2000, socioeconomic status, life satisfaction, mulvany 2000, et al 1999, wheaton 2001, martin et al, busfield 2000, miech et al, cited mulvany 2000,