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According to the two major diagnostic guide resources (the DSM and the ICD), cultural factors play no role in determining abnormal from normal behaviors, and thus have no part in the discussion of what defines a psychological disorder.

a) True
b) False

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Final answer:

The statement is false as both the DSM and ICD acknowledge the role of cultural factors in diagnosing and understanding psychological disorders, with concepts like cultural concepts of distress and culture-bound syndromes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that cultural factors play no role in determining abnormal from normal behaviors, and thus have no part in the discussion of what defines a psychological disorder, according to the DSM and ICD, is false.

Cultural considerations are indeed an integral part of the diagnosis and understanding of psychological disorders according to both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The DSM, for instance, provides a framework known as cultural concepts of distress (CCD), which sheds light on how different cultural groups experience and communicate suffering and mental disorders. Similarly, the ICD also recognizes the importance of cultural specificity in diagnosing and understanding mental disorders. Recognition of these cultural factors helps to avoid misdiagnosis and aims to provide more culturally sensitive mental health care. Therefore, both major diagnostic guide resources acknowledge that what is considered 'abnormal' behavior can vary significantly across different cultures.

Mental health professionals understand that both culture-bound syndromes and broader societal norms can influence the expression and interpretation of mental disorders. As such, both the DSM and ICD frameworks involve considerations of cultural impact on mental health and the classification of disorders.

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