Explore a Psychological Disorder and Treatment
50 points
Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to diagnose a well-known fictional character (from a movie, TV show, book, etc.) with a possible psychological disorder. However, before your diagnosis can be made, you must first demonstrate a basic understanding of the disorder. The main objective of this assignment is to describe one specific psychological disorder, but ‘diagnosing’ a character of your choice will be the creative element.
Then, for an extra credit opportunity, you may offer a viable treatment option for this individual, based on the various forms of therapy discussed in class and/or the textbook. Be sure to demonstrate an understanding of one specific type of therapy.
Part 1 (50 points). Identify a psychological disorder and discuss specific research from the textbook and/or lecture (e.g., prevalence, gender differences, as well as biological, psychological, and/or socio-cultural influences, etc.). You may also use outside sources, but be sure to cite them in a works cited section at the end of your assignment. You should provide enough information to reliably and validly describe the disorder, such that someone unfamiliar with psychological theory would have the basic information needed to understand the disorder. Once you have discussed the disorder, identify a fictional character of your choice (must be fictitious – no real people) and discuss why you think he/she may have signs of this disorder. You should be specific by providing examples of behavior and/or other symptoms..
Part 2 – Based on your chosen character, and the disorder they may have, what treatment plan would you recommend? Describe a therapeutic approach based on relevant theory and/or research from the textbook and/or course material.
Note:
Your main focus should be in describing the disorder and the treatment, and any discussion about the character is secondary. Cite any sources used other than the textbook and course materials. Responses should be at least one page double-spaced, plus another half-page if you are completing the extra credit portion. No specific format is required, but overall organization is important. Plagiarism may result in a 0 and further action being taken with the Office of Academic Affairs.
Spelling, grammar, and clarity of content will be considered. Proofread carefully!
Disclaimer:
You are not a trained clinical psychologist; do not try and diagnose yourself or anyone else in real life! If you feel troubled by symptoms of disorder, please see a trained clinician.
