Which of the following best explains why people sometimes fear or make fun of mental illness?

• A. Mental illness is always visible, making it easy for people to identify and react negatively.
• B. People with mental illness often choose to behave in ways that provoke others.
• C. Stigma and lack of understanding about psychological disorders can lead to fear and ridicule.
• D. Most psychological disorders are contagious, causing people to avoid those affected.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of stigma in psychology, which refers to negative attitudes and beliefs that lead to discrimination against people with mental illness.
2. Recognize that stigma often arises from a lack of knowledge or misunderstandings about psychological disorders, causing fear or ridicule.
3. Evaluate the given options by comparing them to psychological research findings about mental illness and social reactions.
4. Identify that mental illness is not always visible, and behaviors are not typically chosen to provoke others, so these options are less accurate.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that stigma and lack of understanding about psychological disorders lead to fear and ridicule, as supported by psychological theory and evidence.