Moviesplit 2016: This Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Give

Moviesplit 2016this Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Give You An Op

Moviesplit 2016this Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Give You An Op

MOVIE: Split (2016) This purpose of this assignment is to give you an opportunity to explore the psychotherapeutic relationship in great depth as it is portrayed on screen (i.e., in movies or television programs). For this assignment, please create a 10-12 slide PowerPoint presentation where you analyze and discuss the character(s) of your choosing. In this presentation, analyze a character’s illness and treatment from a psychotherapist’s perspective. Be sure to include a title slide, references, citations, and speaker notes, all in APA formatting.

Formatting Reminder: You are expected to format your presentation according to APA guidelines. Refer to the APA resources folder on the Modules page for additional resources and tools to help in preparing your presentation. Properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism in your assignment. Discuss the following points:

  • The character’s diagnosis according to the DSM-V
  • A brief discussion of the apparent etiology of the character’s symptoms
  • An in-depth analysis of the treatment prescribed for the character in terms of theoretical perspective: psychoanalytic, client-centered, gestalt, and behavior therapy
  • Identify which perspective(s) is(are) represented in the film
  • Evaluate whether the treatment appears to be effective
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach
  • Recommend alternative approaches if applicable
  • If therapy was not depicted in the media, suggest an appropriate approach for the character

Ensure to include images for the speaker to facilitate engagement. If you wish to choose a different film or series not listed, please consult with the instructor for approval. All presentations must be submitted by the due date; late submissions will not be accepted. Save the file with your last name and assignment title, e.g., FERNANDEZ_paper.ppt, in PowerPoint format.

Paper For Above instruction

The film "Split" (2016), directed by M. Night Shyamalan, offers a compelling portrayal of dissociative identity disorder (DID), providing a rich case for psychotherapeutic analysis. This paper explores the diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and effectiveness of therapy as depicted in the film, from a psychotherapist’s perspective, using APA formatting.

Diagnosis according to DSM-V

"Split" centers on Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder. According to DSM-5 criteria, DID is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that recurrently take control of an individual’s behavior. Kevin exhibits multiple personalities, including "Barry," "Hedwig," and "The Beast," each with unique behaviors, memories, and ways of interacting with the world. The film accurately depicts several symptoms consistent with the DSM-5, including amnesia between alters, distinct identities, and a sense of fragmentation. The presentation emphasizes the internal struggle and compartmentalization of identities, central features of DID.

Etiology of Kevin’s Symptoms

The apparent etiology of Kevin’s symptoms points to severe childhood trauma, including repeated physical and sexual abuse, which is consistent with established literature on the origins of DID. The film suggests that Kevin’s dissociative states develop as a coping mechanism to compartmentalize and manage trauma—specifically, his abusive past involving his mother and religious upbringing. Empirical research supports the trauma model of DID, positing that dissociation serves as a defense against overwhelming emotional pain. Kevin’s fragmentation into multiple personalities appears to be a manifestation of this protective dissociation, allowing him to suppress traumatic memories and continue functioning in daily life.

Analysis of Treatment Approaches

The therapeutic intervention depicted in "Split" is somewhat limited, but elements suggestive of a psychotherapeutic approach can be analyzed through various perspectives. The film hints at the use of talk therapy, possibly integrating elements of trauma-focused therapy, to help Kevin integrate his personalities. In clinical practice, effective treatment for DID often involves an eclectic mix—predominantly trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and phases of integration therapy (Loewenstein et al., 2014). The film's portrayal shows attempts to communicate with Kevin’s different identities, aligning with approaches used in parts of clinical dissociative disorder treatments.

Theoretical perspectives such as psychodynamic therapy focus on uncovering repressed trauma and fostering integration of identities, while cognitive-behavioral therapies aim to reframe maladaptive thoughts associated with trauma (Brand, 2016). The film seems to depict a combination of these approaches, especially as Kevin’s therapist seeks to understand and manage his dissociative states. The treatment is depicted as somewhat successful in bringing about awareness and control over the different identities. However, in real clinical settings, therapy is a long and complex process, often involving gradual integration of identities and trauma processing (Brand et al., 2016).

Effectiveness and Critical Evaluation of the Treatment

In the film, Kevin’s treatment appears to exhibit limited success. The deliberate confrontation with his "Beast" alter marks a notable development in the storyline, suggesting some progress in therapy. However, Kevin remains vulnerable and unstable, illustrating the challenges inherent in treating DID. Empirical research indicates that recovery and integration can be achieved through a sustained, client-centered approach that prioritizes safety and trauma processing (Loewenstein et al., 2014). The film’s portrayal exaggerates some aspects, such as rapid progress, which is rarely reflective of real-world therapy for DID. Nonetheless, it underscores the importance of therapeutic alliances and trauma work.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Approach

The approach depicted in "Split"—shared understanding and managing multiple identities—has advantages such as increased awareness of dissociative states and potential for eventual integration. However, disadvantages include the risk of retraumatization during therapy, potential for misdiagnosis, and the difficulty in establishing trust with severely dissociative clients (Brand et al., 2016). The film simplifies this complex process, emphasizing dramatic confrontations over the nuanced phases involved in authentic therapy.

Alternative Approaches and Recommendations

Given the limitations of the therapeutic portrayal in the film, alternative approaches might include a more trauma-informed care model, incorporating dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to process traumatic memories (Hassan, 2018). An integrative approach combining trauma-focused CBT and somatic therapies could also be beneficial, emphasizing stabilization before trauma confrontation.

If the media had not depicted treatment, I would recommend a phased model emphasizing safety, stabilization, processing, and integration. This model prioritizes creating a secure therapeutic environment, building trust, and gradually addressing traumatic memories, in line with established best practices (Brand & Loewenstein, 2019).

In conclusion, "Split" offers a dramatized but insightful glimpse into dissociative identity disorder and its treatment. While the film’s portrayal simplifies many aspects, it highlights the importance of specialized, trauma-informed therapy. Effective treatment involves a careful, phased approach tailored to individual needs, emphasizing safety, trust, and trauma processing.

References

  • Brand, B. L., et al. (2016). The treatment of dissociative identity disorder: A review of the literature. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 17(2), 157-174.
  • Brand, B. L., & Loewenstein, R. J. (2019). Trauma and dissociation: Advancing clinical practice. New York, NY: Routledge.
  • Hassan, M. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A Valid Therapeutic Approach for PTSD. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies, 18(2), 45-59.
  • Loewenstein, R. J., et al. (2014). Treating dissociative identity disorder: A practical approach. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(5), CodecMais.
  • Loewenstein, R. J., et al. (2014). Treating dissociative identity disorder: A practical approach. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(5), 473-489.
  • Ross, C. A. (2014). Dissociative identity disorder: Diagnosis, clinical features, and treatment. Psychiatric Annals, 44(10), 472-477.
  • Scofield, D., & Goff, D. (2017). Trauma and dissociation: Revisiting the trauma model of dissociative identity disorder. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 18(3), 372-390.
  • Spiegel, D., & van der Kolk, B. (2017). Trauma and the dissociative disorders. In M. H. Lovett & G. S. Van der Kolk (Eds.), Treating trauma and dissociation (pp. 23-54). The Guilford Press.
  • Valentine, N. (2017). The role of trauma therapy in dissociative disorders. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 23(2), 134-142.
  • Weiss, A., & Ogden, P. (2019). Trauma-informed care: Integration of principles in therapy. Psychiatric Services, 70(4), 282-284.

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