PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS & THE MOVIES
PROCEDURE: Watch one of the movies listed below and discuss the main characters and/or plot line in terms of psychological disorders and/or treatment. (Some of the movies portray several characters struggling with a disorder; you need to focus only on the one or two that most interests you.)
Address the following questions:
- What psychological disorder was illustrated in this film? Did the person meet the criteria for “abnormal” in this portrayal?
- What symptoms of mental illness did you see in the movie? After considering typical symptoms and behaviors for this disorder, determine the extent to which you believe this was a realistic portrayal of this disorder. How would you approach this patient if he or she is your patient?
- Were any causal factors for the character’s disorder suggested in the film? If so, which ones?
- What types of treatment, if any, did the person in the film receive? Provide specific examples. Based on what you’ve learned, is this form typical for individuals with this disorder? Why or why not?
- What impact did the person’s disorder have on others in his/her life? Do you think the impact was realistically portrayed? Why or why not?
- After viewing the movie, what do you think it would be like to live with this mental illness?
- What was your overall reaction to the movie and how mental illness was portrayed?
Movie Options: (These movies have been previewed and pre-selected for their content and relevance; please do not make your own substitutions without prior approval; failure to do so will result in a zero score.) Indicates that these titles are available through the Omaha Public Library. Many are also available at video rental stores throughout the city. Check online for details.
A Beautiful Mind: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=a+beautiful+mind+full+movie
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=one+flew+over+the+cuckoo%27s+nest+full+movie+part+1
Twenty-eight Days w/ Sandra Bullock: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=28+days+full+movie
Sybil: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sybil+full+movie+1976
ASSIGNMENT FORMAT:
- A paper at least 1 page long, not including any reference section 2. Typed and double spaced, with Arial (10- point font) or Times New Roman (12- point font) and 1 inch margins 3. Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors 4. Provide in-text citations and reference any of your sources using APA format
Or
- Power point presentation: at least 7 slides (at least 1 slide for each question), 2. Typed and double spaced Arial (10 point) or Times New Roman (12- point font) 3. Proofread for grammatical errors 4. Provide references for any sources used in APA format
