Assignment task:
Now, I'd like you to reflect on a thought-provoking scenario: Imagine you are a character in a famous movie or TV show. In this fictional story, your character is displaying behaviors that likely to be perceived as abnormal by the society in that movie/show. Simply think of any abnormal behavior (the chapter gives a bunch). It could be an obsession, a phobia, mood swings, or any other behavior that stands out. Your task is to step into your character's shoes and respond to the following prompts:
1. Describe the specific abnormal behavior that your character is displaying in the context of the fictional world.
2. Reflect on how different historical perspectives (ancient, medieval, and/or modern) would have interpreted and explained your character's behavior. What would they say about it?
3. Apply the four D's (Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger) to analyze your character's behavior and presentation. Which of these criteria apply to the character, and how?
4. Consider how the "biopsychosocial" approach could shed insight on the underlying causes of your character's behavior . For example, how might the biological, psychological, and/or the social factors contribute to character's behavior/actions?
5. Based on what you've learned from this chapter, and your character's behavior, speculate if a referral is needed to a mental health professional - need to be assessed? treated?
Just like this one:
Ex: My character and movie: Imagine you're watching a sci-fi movie set in a future society where emotions are suppressed to maintain societal harmony. Your character, Alex, experiences intense mood swings that disrupt the established order. Here's how I would respond to the prompts:
Alex's abnormal behavior: Alex frequently shifts between extreme highs of euphoria and deep lows of melancholy, often in rapid succession.
Historical perspectives: Ancient societies might view Alex as possessed by spirits, while medieval times could attribute it to cosmic alignment. Modern perspectives could involve neurotransmitter imbalances.
Applying the four D's: Alex's behavior deviates from the emotional norms of the futuristic society, causing distress within the character and their environment. Dysfunction is evident as the mood swings impair Alex's ability to perform tasks.
Biopsychosocial approach: Biological factors like genetic predisposition might play a role, while psychological factors include unresolved trauma triggering mood swings. Socially, a lack of emotional expression norms could contribute.
Diagnosis & Treatment: Mental health professionals are very likely to consider Alex's behavior abnormal as his intense mood swings disrupt daily life functioning. The DSM-5 could provide a framework for assessment, and explore treatment options.
This exercise underscores the interplay between culture, psychology, and societal norms in interpreting abnormal behavior. It's fascinating to see how historical context and contemporary perspectives shape our understanding. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and interpretations!