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Instant Psychology

Answers by BLAKE CRIDER

Are mental illnesses more common among the poor?

One study made in New York City covering all economic levels found profound disturbances in 28% of the lower classes, 18% of the middle class, and in 9% of the upper class. The cause and result relationships between economic level and mental disorders is not at present clear..

What is the difference between a schizoid and a schizophrenic?

Each major behavioral disorder has its own "normal" prototype. Sometimes called a pre-morbid personality or a character structure. Hysteria has its hysteroid personality. The manic-depressive has its cyclothyme. Obsessivecompulsive neuroses have the obsessive personality. And the character type for schizophrenia is the schizoid personality.

What is the difference between a reflex and an instinct?

A reflex is a simple type of inherited and unlearned response, such as sneezing, blinking and swallowing. An instinct is an unlearned pattern, goal-directed behavior. Thus defined, we have no instincts in human behavior.

I am always hearing about defense mechanisms. Can you explain what this means?

A defense mechanism is a verbal trick for narcotizing an emotional distress. It eliminates or prevents anxiety, guilt, jealousy or grief. But these defenses have limitations. If your girlfriend quits you, you can say you didn't like her anyhow, that she is a good riddance. After the third one quits you it is time to check your limitations. Maybe you have bad breath.

Is a homosexual emotionally disturbed? Homosexuality is not an emotional disturbance. It is a fixation at a lower level of psychosexual development. But as a minority group in a heterosexual society, homosexuals have a hard time. Thus, society pressure may cause emotional distress.

Is courage an absence of fear?

Some people have performed heroic deeds when overwhelmed with fear. Others have done heroic deeds without fear. I think your question is "which should get the bigger medal?" That I can't answer.

How common is mental retardation?

If 10,000 children were born today, 3% would be mentally retarded. This is a statistical fact. If we add congenital and traumatic factors, the percentage at birth is probably 5% mental retardation.

Is it possible to "bluff" one's way through a personality test?

In most paper and pencil tests, yes. In a few, if you do, the score will reveal you -are bluffing. In projective tests of personality the

chances are slim. But why bluff anyhow. You are the loser. Answer the questions to the best of your ability.

Have you heard of an electrical gadget that can be used to stop bed wetting?

The first one was used about 1900. When

the child wet the bed the parents were awakened to take the child to the toilet. Modern ones awaken the child with the expectation that he will take himself to the toilet. Reports on the success of the gadget range from 30 to 80%. Questions of general interest should be mailed to Blake Crider, Sunday Magazine, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, O. 44114