Which of the following might explain why rates of depression are low in China and Japan?
A) Mental illnesses are not stigmatized, thus those who are depressed receive much social support and do not seek treatment.
B) The heavy emphasis on the individual decreases the likelihood of blaming the self for failure.
C) Symptoms of depression tend to be discussed as somatic.
D) Blunted emotions characterize Asian peoples, so both positive and negative emotional extremes are rare.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In China and Japan, symptoms of depression are often discussed as somatic. Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches are more acceptable to discuss than emotional symptoms like sadness or hopelessness. Therefore, individuals may not recognize or report emotional symptoms of depression, leading to lower rates of diagnosis.

Answer: D 
 While the notion of blunted emotions in Asian cultures is a stereotype, research has shown that cultural values and beliefs around emotional expression can play a role in the manifestation and recognition of mental illness. In some cases, individuals may experience depressive symptoms but not label them as such due to cultural norms around the expression of emotions.

Which of the Following Might Explain Why Rates of Depression