What describes mental illness in sociological terms?

Mental illness, when described in sociological terms, focuses on the societal context and patterns of behavior that deviate from societal norms. It encompasses a broader understanding of how these behaviors are interpreted within a social framework, rather than just individual psychological states or temporary conditions.

Describing mental illness as patterns of abnormal behavior allows for the examination of how these behaviors affect individuals and their interactions with society. This perspective looks at how societal expectations, culture, and institutional responses shape the understanding of what constitutes mental illness. It encourages a consideration of the social constructs surrounding mental health and highlights the role of social factors such as stigma, access to care, and the impact of various social determinants on mental health conditions.

In contrast, the other choices focus on individual experiences or specific states that do not capture the broader sociological understanding of mental illness. Temporary emotional distress, high levels of anxiety, and aging-related cognitive decline are significant issues in their own right but do not encompass the sociological perspective that looks at the patterns and societal implications of mental illness.