Essay on "Abnormal Behavior"
Essay 3 pages (1143 words) Sources: 3
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderPsychological Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions may manifest as recurrent thoughts, ideas, images, impulses, fears, or doubts. Compulsions also manifest in a variety of ways. Patients may feel compelled to touch, to count, to check, to have everything symmetrically arranged, or to repeatedly wash their hands. Attempts to resist the compulsion are met with increasing anxiety, which is relieved as soon as the patient gives in to the compulsion.
According to Steven Taylor, et. al. (2010) research indicates that three types of dysfunctional beliefs contribute to the development and maintenance of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. These beliefs are described as inflated personal responsibility and the overestimation of threat, perfectionism and the intolerance of uncertainty, and over importance of one's thoughts and the need to control these thoughts.
OCD has many negative effects on the quality of one's life. Storch, Abramowitz and Keely (2009) report previous studies of individuals with OCD show patients with this condition are more likely to be unemployed, be of lower socio-economic status, have disrupted social and marital relationships, and make more use of health care than those without OCD. Furthermore, relative to individuals with other anxiety disorders, those with OCD are hospitalized more frequently, suggesting greater impairment. Research suggests that the amount of time spent performing compulsive rituals and the associated depressive symptoms contribute to this functional disability. In another study Cassin, Rich
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One common misunderstanding concerning the origins of OCD is that it stems from a neglectful or unbalanced upbringing. Research has provided clear evidence that the brain of someone with OCD does function differently than that of a person without OCD. OCD is triggered by a biochemical problem in the brain. These findings have done much to alleviate a great deal of shame and guilt some parents felt for their child's suffering.
Part II -- Motion Picture Analysis
Director James L. Brooks depicts the characteristics of an individual suffering from OCD in the movie as Good as it Gets (1997). The character of Melvin Udall, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, exhibits both obsessive and compulsive behaviors throughout the film. One of the criteria for a diagnosis of OCD according to the DSM IV-TR is repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. Udall's rituals include turning the light switch off and on five times, and not letting his feet step on cracks. He also indicated that he needed to go to the restaurant at the same time each day, (he commented that he would be late for the restaurant when at Dr. Green's office) sit in the same table, and order the virtually the same food. Furthermore he has an obsession with cleanliness as evidenced by a medicine cabinet full of soap and a distaste to touch or be touched. Even though he becomes fond of the dog, Verdell, he needs to use gloves in… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Abnormal Behavior" Assignment:
Popular movies depicting individuals with psychological disorders have earned acclaim for their portrayal of people living with the disorders. While some in the psychological community applaud efforts to depict people with psychological disorders in popular media, others are concerned that the portrayals do not accurately reflect the true struggles and triumphs of these people and their families.
This essay assignment requires you to carefully watch the movie, then review the scholarly literature to determine how accurately the motion picture depicts the lives of the persons living with the disorder. You must also discuss the social psychological concepts to explain how the general public perceives abnormal behavior. Address the four following sections in your essay.
Part I- Psychological disorder
Choose one psychological disorder listed below and use the DSM IV-TR to summarize the salient characteristics of the disorder. Conduct a lietrature review of at least 3 journals (no websites or web resources) and synthesize the findings of these articles. List at least one common misconception of the disorder that may be held by the general public.
Disorders (choose one):
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Schizophrenia
Part II: Motion Picture Analysis
Choose and watch one of the movies listed below that depicts the psychological disorder you described in the previous section of your essay. Using the DSM IV-TR diagnostic criteria for the disorder and any relevant scholarly journal articles, discuss whether the movie accurately portrays the symptoms of the disorder. Cite at least two specific examples that support your argument for whether the movie portrays the disorder accurately. This section should be no more than 500 words.
Movies (choose one):
As Good As It Gets (1997), rated PG13 (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
A Beautiful Mind (2001), rated PG-13 (schizophrenia)
Part III- Application to Social Psychological Concepts:
Define and then use two of the following social psychological concepts (Ch. 15) to explain how (mis)portrayal of abnormal behavior can have negative consequences for individuals and society at large:
-stereotyping and prejudice
-first impressions
-self-fulfilling prophecy
-attribution errors
-confirmation bias
Part IV- Conclusion
Briefly summarize your findings in 300 words or less. Your conclusion should include, but not be limited to, an assessment of how abnormal behavior is portrayed in the popular media and in the film you watched and what the overall social implications are of labeling individuals living with psychological disorders.
How to Reference "Abnormal Behavior" Essay in a Bibliography
“Abnormal Behavior.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2010, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-psychological/7960696. Accessed 4 Oct 2024.
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