Psychi Royal College Of Psychiatrists 2018 Ordinary People

Psychi Royal College Of Psychiatrists3182018 Ordinary Peopleimprov

Identify the actual assignment question or prompt from the user content, remove any meta-instructions, repetitive lines, or irrelevant details, and keep only the core instructions for the paper. The cleaned instructions ask for an academic analysis of the film "Ordinary People," focusing on its portrayal of mental health issues, family dynamics, therapy processes, and societal implications, including references to psychological theory and practice.

Paper For Above instruction

The film "Ordinary People" (1980), directed by Robert Redford, offers a profound depiction of psychological trauma, family dynamics, and the therapeutic process, making it a compelling subject for academic analysis within the field of mental health. This paper will critically examine the film's portrayal of mental health issues, such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and family communication breakdowns, while integrating relevant psychological theories and clinical practices. Additionally, the paper will explore the societal implications depicted in the movie, including stigma surrounding psychiatric treatment and the importance of awareness in adolescent mental health.

"Ordinary People" centers around the Jarrett family in upper-middle-class Illinois, grappling with the aftermath of the death of their eldest son, Buck, and the impact of this trauma on surviving son Conrad. The film poignantly illustrates how grief manifests differently among family members, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual responses to trauma, a core principle in trauma psychology (van der Kolk, 2014). Conrad's ongoing depression, survivor’s guilt, and suicidal tendencies exemplify clinical presentations often encountered in adolescent mental health. The film accurately captures the complex emotional landscape of depressed teenagers, including insomnia, flashbacks, social withdrawal, and feelings of rejection—clinical signs extensively documented in psychiatric literature (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Therapeutically, "Ordinary People" vividly portrays the process of psychodynamic psychotherapy, highlighting the importance of the therapeutic alliance, transference, and resistance. Conrad's therapy sessions with Dr. Berger serve as a narrative device for revealing his suppressed emotions and unspoken resentments, aligning with psychodynamic principles that emphasize uncovering unconscious conflicts through gradual disclosure (Freud, 1917). The film demonstrates how a therapist must observe not only verbal but also non-verbal cues in understanding the patient's inner world, echoing contemporary psychotherapeutic practices (Gabbard, 2014).

The depiction of family dynamics in the film underscores the significance of communication, emotional expression, and parental influence on adolescent mental health. Beth, the mother, maintains a façade of normalcy, avoiding confrontation and emotional vulnerability, which can inadvertently exacerbate familial tension and hinder healing. This aligns with family systems theory, emphasizing the interconnectedness of family members and how dysfunction in one part of the system affects the whole (Bowen, 1978). Calvin, the father, displays a more empathetic approach, encouraging help-seeking, illustrating the role of supportive parenting in mental health recovery.

Furthermore, the film sheds light on societal attitudes toward mental health, particularly stigma and reluctance to seek psychiatric help. Beth's refusal to visit Conrad in the hospital exemplifies societal taboos around mental illness and the need for increased awareness and destigmatization, especially among youth. The film advocates for openness and understanding, resonating with current public health initiatives aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues (Corrigan, 2004).

In conclusion, "Ordinary People" offers a realistic and nuanced portrayal of adolescent depression, trauma, family functioning, and psychotherapy. It underscores the importance of effective communication, empathy, and professional intervention in mental health treatment. The film's depiction of therapy and familial response provides valuable insights for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers aiming to improve outcomes for young people struggling with mental health issues. By integrating psychological theory and clinical practice, this analysis highlights the relevance of "Ordinary People" as both a cultural and educational resource in understanding and addressing mental health challenges.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. Garden City, NY: Narcissist.
• Freud, S. (1917). Mourning and melancholia. In J. Strachey (Ed. and Trans.), The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud (Vol. 14). London: Hogarth Press, 1957.
• Gabbard, G. O. (2014). Psychodynamic psychiatry in clinical practice. American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.
• Corrigan, P. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. American psychologist, 59(7), 614–625.
• Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2018). Mental health and young people: A guide for professionals.
• Judith Guest. (1976). Ordinary People. Norton & Company.
• Redford, R. (Director). (1980). Ordinary People [Film]. Paramount Pictures.
• Almeida, J. (2019). Minds on Film: Analyzing psychiatric representations in cinema. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 25(4), 245-254.