Abnormal Psychology in Film Assignment

Abnormal Psychology in Film Assignment

The topic of psychological illness has been depicted in film in many different ways.   Some films provide a compassionate view of illness, others more stereotypical and negative, and still others have misrepresented a specific disorder providing an inaccurate picture.  For this written assignment you will select a psychological disorder that you would like to learn more about and write a critical analysis of a film that depicts the disorder.[unique_solution]

1. Select and view a relevant film.
2. Conduct research on the disorder. It helps when you pose a research question.  For example:  Are individuals with schizophrenia able to successfully reintegrate into society?  What programs or factors are available to facilitate their reintegration?
3. Sources:  Please use your textbook and one additional source.  The additional source can be from a magazine, newspaper, journal article or Web.  Summarize each of the sources and place in your paper.  Please make sure to cite the sources in your paper.

III.  Include a Reference page citing your three research sources.  Please use APA style.

1. Brief Summary of the Film
2. Title, director, actors in lead character roles, year produced.
3. Provide a brief synopsis (summary) of the film you have selected.
4. What is the main story about?
5. What is the psychological disorder that the character has?  Give the DSM-5 diagnostic label for the disorder (e.g.,  Major  Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia).
6. When does it occur?  (e.g., 1950’s current day, etc.)
7. How is the character with the disorder portrayed in the film? How are you, as the viewer, made to feel? (e.g., compassion for the character, disgust, etc.).
8. How does the film’s depiction of the disorder compare with what you have learned about the disorder from your textbook and other sources you have read?
9. Briefly describe some of the symptoms of the disorder as indicated in your textbook.  Please cite/reference your text where appropriate.
10. Does the film accurately portray the disorder?  Please explain and provide evidence for your position.
11. Does the film accurately portray the treatment of the disorder?  Please explain and provide evidence for your position.

1. Discussion of Research sources as they relate to your Research Question

Please discuss and cite your sources and how they relate to your research question.

III.  References:  Please include your sources using APA style.

Below are some suggested films.  I also have film directories that I will share with you in class.

A beautiful mind      Primal fear      Spellbound     Silence of the lambs      Sybil    Three faces of Eve

Girl, interrupted      One flew over the cuckoo’s nest    Prince of Tides     As good as it gets 

(movie6.com) (ovguide.com)