Running Head For Journal

Running Head Journal

This week we have been asked to complete two tasks: first, to review a list of historical case studies or movies approved for the assignment; second, to discuss one selected example, specifically the movie “Mommie Dearest,” which I find particularly impactful. In this movie, the character Joan Crawford exhibits behaviors suggestive of severe mental illness, possibly obsessive-compulsive traits related to control and cleanliness, along with episodes of uncontrollable rage and violence, especially towards her children. Her heavy drinking exacerbates her aggressive tendencies, leading to abnormal and harmful behaviors that deviate from parental norms of nurturing and caregiving.

According to the textbook, behavior can be classified as abnormal based on three perspectives: the statistical perspective (behavior is abnormal if it is rare relative to the general population), the social norm perspective (behavior is abnormal if it deviates significantly from societal standards), and the maladaptive perspective (behavior is abnormal if it interferes with functioning in society) (Getzfeld & Schwartz, 2013). Previously, I believed that any personality trait deviating from societal norms at a given time was inherently abnormal; however, I now understand that the concept of normalcy is more fluid and contextual. A person can possess tendencies that are unconventional without necessarily being abnormal, emphasizing the complexity and diversity of human experiences.

Our biases and societal influences play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of what constitutes normal and abnormal behavior. Society’s predefined standards are often rooted in social and cultural norms, which are inherently subjective and susceptible to change. For instance, behaviors such as nudity in public are deemed abnormal because they violate societal norms reinforced through social influence mechanisms like conformity, peer pressure, and socialization (Getzfeld & Schwartz, 2013). These influences often operate subtly, impacting our attitudes and judgments without our full awareness.

The influence of societal norms extends beyond overt behaviors to include persuasion, marketing, and leadership, which collectively shape perceptions and behaviors on a broader scale. Understanding these mechanisms underscores that normality and abnormality are constructs influenced by social context rather than fixed intrinsic qualities. As such, labeling behavior as abnormal must consider cultural, social, and individual variables to avoid unjust stigmatization.

In addition, ethical considerations regarding privacy and consumer data have gained prominence in recent years. For example, the case involving ScanScout, a Delaware-based digital advertising firm, illustrates issues of privacy breach and deceptive practices. ScanScout updated their privacy policy to allow users to opt out of online tracking but failed to communicate this change transparently, leading the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to examine the misleading nature of these disclosures. The FTC concluded that ScanScout's privacy policy was deceptive, violating the Federal Trade Commission Act by providing consumers with false impressions about their privacy protections (Federal Trade Commission, n.d.).

This case exemplifies the importance of honesty and clarity in organizational communication, especially regarding sensitive issues such as consumer privacy. It also highlights the impact of regulatory agencies like the FTC in enforcing ethical standards and protecting consumers from deceptive practices. The case underscores that organizations must adhere to truthful disclosures to maintain trust and conform to legal standards, ensuring that consumer rights are respected in the digital age.

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In analyzing Joan Crawford’s portrayal in "Mommie Dearest," it becomes evident that her behavior exemplifies many clinical features associated with severe personality disorders and mental health issues. Her obsessive-compulsive behaviors, characterized by excessive cleanliness and control, reflect a possible obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), which is often characterized by a pervasive pattern of orderliness, perfectionism, and control that impairs functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The film illustrates her temper outbursts, impulsivity, and violence, behaviors that could be indicative of underlying personality pathology, including possible features of borderline or antisocial personality disorders often associated with impulsivity and aggression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

From a psychological perspective, her heavy drinking and volatility exacerbate her symptoms, creating a cycle of dysfunction that not only impacts her mental health but also profoundly affects her children. The violence and emotional neglect depicted in the film, which starkly contrast with societal expectations of maternal nurturing, highlight how abnormal behavior can deviate significantly from social norms (Getzfeld & Schwartz, 2013). The social norm perspective emphasizes that such conduct is abnormal because it violates accepted standards of maternal care and general societal values, which prioritize nurturing and protection of children.

The statistical perspective further contextualizes her behavior as abnormal because extreme emotional disturbance and dangerous conduct are statistically rare within the general population. Such behaviors demand clinical attention because they deviate from normative functioning, often leading to severe consequences for individuals and their families (Nolen-Hoeksema & Watkins, 2014). However, it's critical to recognize that abnormality is not merely about deviation but also involves the impact on functioning, as her behaviors severely impair her capacity to fulfill her societal and familial roles (Getzfeld & Schwartz, 2013).

Understanding these perspectives fosters a more nuanced view of mental health issues, encouraging empathy and reducing stigma. Instead of solely labeling such behaviors as abnormal, clinicians and society should consider underlying causes, including trauma, biological predispositions, and environmental factors that contribute to these behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Recognizing the interplay between societal influences and mental health highlights that what is considered abnormal can often be a reflection of broader societal judgments rather than intrinsic individual flaws.

Shifting focus to the ethical implications demonstrated in the ScanScout case, the core issue revolves around truthful communication and respect for consumer privacy rights. The FTC's intervention underscores that organizations have a responsibility to provide accurate and transparent disclosures about their data collection and use practices. The deceptive privacy policy by ScanScout not only risks legal penalties but also damages consumer trust, which is vital in an increasingly digital economy (Federal Trade Commission, n.d.).

This case exemplifies the tension between technological advancement and ethical responsibility. As online tracking technologies become more sophisticated, organizations must ensure that their privacy policies are accessible, comprehensible, and truthful. Regulatory bodies like the FTC serve as watchdogs, enforcing standards that prioritize consumer protection and foster ethical corporate behavior. This oversight helps prevent exploitation and fosters a culture of accountability, which is essential for trustworthy digital commerce.

Furthermore, the case highlights the importance of ongoing regulatory review in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Companies must adapt to emerging legal standards and disclose information transparently to avoid deception. Ethical corporate practices in privacy management not only comply with legal frameworks but also serve as a competitive advantage by promoting consumer confidence and loyalty (Martin, 2014). Ensuring privacy transparency aligns with broader ethical principles of respect for persons and duty of care, emphasizing that respecting individual rights is fundamental to responsible business conduct.

In conclusion, Joan Crawford’s depiction in "Mommie Dearest" provides a compelling case to explore the spectrum of abnormal psychological phenomena, emphasizing that behaviors deviating from social norms can be rooted in complex mental health issues requiring compassionate understanding and clinical intervention. Simultaneously, the ScanScout case underscores the importance of ethical standards in corporate communication and privacy practices, illustrating that legal compliance and transparency are crucial in maintaining societal trust. Together, these examples reinforce that societal norms, mental health, and ethics are intertwined aspects shaping our understanding of what constitutes normal and abnormal behavior in contemporary society.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). FTC takes action against ScanScout for deceptive privacy disclosures. https://www.ftc.gov
• Getzfeld, A., & Schwartz, S. (2013). Abnormal psychology: DSM-5 update. Bridgepoint Education.
• Martin, K. (2014). Privacy, law, and society. Harvard Law Review, 127(4), 1025-1070.
• Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Watkins, E. R. (2014). A heuristic for developing transdiagnostic models of psychopathology. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 9(5), 560-583.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).