Title ABC/123 Version X 1 Disease Model Versus Positive Psyc ✓ Solved
Title ABC/123 Version X 1 Disease Model Versus Positive Psychology Worksheet PSY/225
Read the scenario and answer the questions in no less than 200 words each. Support your responses with detail from this week’s assigned video and reading. Include APA-formatted citations and references.
William is a 44-year old project manager for a large commercial construction firm. He started out as a gifted carpenter who greatly enjoyed designing and building custom furniture. However, after several promotions, he focuses on bringing in new business. He spends many work hours at his computer or on the telephone. He is divorced and rarely sees his two daughters. In recent years, he has gained weight and is displeased with his appearance, but has no interest in or energy for exercise. He does not sleep well because he worries about business problems at night. He was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. Although he is financially secure, he rarely takes vacations or socializes outside of the office. He has begun to feel that his life is pointless.
1. Discuss William’s situation from the perspective of traditional psychology. What information would be most important? What conclusions and recommendations might be made by a psychologist working from the disease model?
2. Discuss William’s situation from the perspective of positive psychology. What information would be most important? What conclusions and recommendations might be made by a psychologist working from the positive psychology model?
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
William’s case presents a complex interplay of psychological, physiological, and social factors that influence his overall well-being. Traditional psychology and positive psychology offer distinct frameworks for understanding and addressing his issues. Traditional psychology often emphasizes identifying and treating mental health disorders, while positive psychology focuses on enhancing strengths and well-being. This paper explores William’s situation from both perspectives to elucidate different diagnostic considerations and intervention strategies.
William’s Situation from the Perspective of Traditional Psychology
Traditional psychology approaches William’s case by examining potential underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or burnout. Given his feelings of pointlessness, poor sleep, weight gain, and physical health issues like high blood pressure, a psychologist working from the disease model might prioritize identifying symptoms of depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The emphasis would be on diagnosing any mental health disorder, assessing for cognitive and behavioral patterns contributing to his distress, and ruling out medical or physiological causes for his physical symptoms.
Important information would include his mood state, sleep patterns, energy levels, appetite, and levels of interest or pleasure in activities. Psychological assessments and clinical interviews would seek to establish whether depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders are present. The primary conclusion might be that William is experiencing clinical depression or burnout, warranting interventions such as psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, CBT) and potentially medication management.
Recommendations from a disease model perspective would likely involve treating the identified disorder through evidence-based interventions, encouraging lifestyle modifications like increased physical activity, improved sleep hygiene, and stress management strategies (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Additionally, addressing any underlying physiological issues such as hypertension would be essential. The goal would be symptom reduction and restoring psychological and physical health to functional levels.
William’s Situation from the Perspective of Positive Psychology
From a positive psychology standpoint, William’s situation would be approached by focusing on his strengths, values, and sources of meaning. The primary goal would be to identify what aspects of his life and work bring him fulfillment and to foster resilience and optimism (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Important information would include his personal motivations, positive traits, hobbies, social connections, and areas where he experiences flow or engagement.
Interventions would aim to enhance his overall well-being by cultivating gratitude, fostering social relationships, and encouraging activities that align with his core values, such as reconnecting with his family or engaging in meaningful pursuits outside work (Lyubomirsky, 2008). The clinician might incorporate strengths-based assessments to identify his talents and passions and develop a plan to incorporate these into daily life, potentially reversing feelings of pointlessness.
Conclusions and recommendations would highlight the importance of cultivating positive emotions, developing a sense of purpose, and building social support as pathways to resilience. Cognitive reframing techniques could help him see his circumstances from a different perspective, emphasizing his capacity for growth and fulfillment. The aim would be to enhance his quality of life by promoting positive emotions, engagement, and meaning, rather than solely focusing on pathology (Seligman, 2011).
Conclusion
William’s case illustrates how traditional and positive psychology approaches can provide complementary insights. While the disease model emphasizes diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, positive psychology highlights strengths and pathways to well-being. An integrative approach that considers both perspectives might offer the most comprehensive support for William’s recovery and personal growth.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
- Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The how of happiness: A scientific approach to getting the life you want. Springer.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Depression (major depressive disorder). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356052
- Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5–14.
- Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being. Free Press.