Gender, Ethnicity and Mental Health

Question 1

Define “ethnicity”

Answer 1

Belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition

Question 2

Define “race”

Answer 2

Classification of humans into groups based on physical traits, ancestry, genetics

Question 3

Give an example of a policy which recognises the gender differences in suicide rates

Answer 3

2017 Suicide Prevention Strategy, focusing on young men

Question 4

Why might men have an increased risk of suicide?

Answer 4

Constructions of masculinity leave men unwilling to express their emotions

• Hiding their anxiety and emotions
• Men’s bodies are seen as privileged and healthy and strong in contrast to women’s weaker bodies
• Men become disconnected to their body, seeing them as machines which function independently

Question 5

Give examples of ethnic groups which have differing mental health needs

Answer 5

1. Chinese have very low rates of mental illness
2. Irish people have higher rates of hospital admission for depression / alcohol abuse
3. Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Psychosis