PSY3110 Clinical Health Psychology Assignment- University of Southern Queensland
Film Critique. Most would agree that cinema shapes our perception of psychological abnormality. Over the years, cinema has made mental illness a popular plot element. In short, this assignment is designed to review and analyze a film produced domestically or internationally from any year that uses mental illness as a necessary component in character development. The critique length must range from 4 to 7 pages long and must comply with APA style. One's critique grade is increased by citing research associated with the focused character's psychological disorder.
Paper Guidelines.
The following are the sections must be covered in the critique. Students are not limited to the questions suggested in each section.
1. Introduction of the film. In this section, you must identify the year the film was released, the director, the main characters and actors who played in the roles, the plot of the film, and why the film is appropriate for addressing mental illness and related topics.
2. Criteria of Abnormality. Does the film imply or directly address a criteria of abnormality? For example, in class we watched the filmclip from the movie, "Hardball." The main character, Conor O'Neill, played by Keanu Reeves, displays maladaptive behavior (smoking, drinking, gambling, self-abusive) that is consistent with the "dysfunctional" criterion. In this section, students can address multiple criteria of abnormality if necessary.
3. Psychological disorders: Does the film portray any psychological disorders as discussed in lecture, Comer text, or the DSM-5? Are the disorders portrayed accurately? Are the abnormalities consistent with the diagnostic criteria or symptoms? Is it possible that the character might meet some of the diagnostic criteria but not others? Does the character display a comorbidity (i.e., more than one diagnosis). Do multiple characters have diagnoses?
4. Models of Abnormality. Does the film adhere to any of the models of abnormality, if so which one and why? Are multiple models implied or is no model implied? If the latter, do you think addressing a model would have improved the quality of the film? For example, if the film took place during the Civil War, World War II, or Great Depression, would sociocultural factors contributed to the character's depression? Did the sociocultural context ignore the mental health issues?
5. Treatment Modalities Addressed. Does the film address and discuss any treatment modalities (therapy, drugs, ECT, etc...)? For example, in the film, "A Beautiful Mind," John Nash, played by Russell Crowe, shows resistance in taking his antipsychotic medication." He also undergoes insulin shock treatment during the film as well. Do both of these biomedical treatments prove ineffective or effective? The film suggests that a supportive campus climate called "mileau therapy" led to marked improvements in John Nash's prognosis. In addition, if therapy is employed, does the film portray the therapist in a positive and competent way or not, please explain?
6. Summary. In this section, students must address whether or not the film has value in helping others understand psychological disorders. Does the film perpetuate negative stereotypes, are there misdiagnoses and inaccuracies in one's opinion, does the film have more entertainment value or does it increase our awareness of psychological disorders? Does the film raise questions about how one should think about psychological disorders or does it leave one more confused? If humor is introduced in the film, is it appropriate?
7. References. A list of references is needed to show that one's critique has scientific merit.
Each section stated above needs to be its own separate and developed paragraph. If each section is separated, then the paper will be more organized. Most importantly
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.