PSY101 week 5 discussions

To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapter 7 of your textbook. Watch Stress:  Portrait of a Killer, read “Dr. Seuss, the Coping Machine, and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”’” and complete the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (The American Institute of Stress, n.d.).  Finally, review Instructor Guidance and Announcements.  In this discussion, you will consider psychological explanations and solutions for stress by examining your own stress level and relating strategies to combat stressors in your own life. Be sure to use your own academic voice (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and apply in-text citations (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. appropriately throughout your post.

• Watch Stress: Portrait of a Killer, which discusses the effects of stress and reveals insight for coping. 
• Summarize the information you learned about stress and health, including emotional and motivational factors as presented in the video. 
• Describe how stress impacts physical and mental health.
• Read “Dr. Seuss, the Coping Machine, and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go’”
  • Identify variables that influence the appraisal of a stressor as a challenge or threat.
  • Generate various factors that may influence one’s ability to cope with stress, such as perceived control, optimism, and social support.
• Complete the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (The American Institute of Stress, n.d.). 
• Interpret your score.  What are the implications of this?
  • Apply your knowledge about assessing (appraising) and coping to your own experience with stress.  What are your biggest stressors?  What is the impact of stress on your health?  Are there any factors in your own life that buffer the effects of stress?
  • Examine specific ways in which you might better manage your stress, such as aerobic exercise, relaxation and meditation, spirituality.
  • Explain how cultural and social diversity might influence perception and experience of stress. (Why could one situation increase stress for one person but not for another?).
• Remember to use your own academic voice (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and apply in-text citations (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. appropriately throughout your post.

• Post your initial response of 250 words or more by Day 3 (Thursday).  Respond to at least two of your peers by Day 7 (Monday).  You are encouraged to post one or more of your required replies early each week (e.g., by Saturday) to stimulate more meaningful and interactive discourse in the discussion forum.  In addition, strive to provide a response to classmates who replied to your initial post and/or the Instructor (if applicable).  Peer responses may vary in length but should be carefully crafted and insightful.  Below are some suggestions to assist your thinking.

  Guided Response:  Reply to at least one peer who chose a hypothesis other than the one you selected and two or more peers overall.  The goal of the discussion forum is to foster continual dialogue, similar to what might occur in a verbal face-to-face exchange.  Consider the following questions in your responses

• What other ways could your peer manage their stress? 
• How is your stress different than your peer’s? 
• How could buffering effects of social identity (e.g., social or religious) apply to your peer’s stress?

• Continue to monitor this discussion board through 5 PM (Mountain Time) on Day 7 of the week. Peer responses may vary in length but should be detailed and thought provoking.  You are expected to respond to any question posed to you by the instructor, and you are encouraged to reply to your classmates’ questions as well.  Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses to your classmates and your instructor.

  Discussion1 responds 1

  Carmen Williams

  Sunday Jul 16 at 7:56pm

  I found the video to be very interesting and I never thought that I would take stress for granted because it does play a part of my health. We normally pay attention to our well-being and it showed how the stress study was done to show how it affects our health. One thing when the baboons had dies and the test they did shock them how they led to finding how quickly a change can be made to the environment. One thing the stress can impact our physical health severely and in times we can be unaware that it can be a concern for many health issues. Stress can cause heart attacks and it can break down our bodies physically and mentally. Plus per (Portrait of a Killer, 2008) Stress can kill the brain cells. For taking the Holmes- Rake stress inventory I have scored 367 and it has taken me up of why I’m always so stressed and I really do not know that I am at times, cause I am gaining weight, I’m not eating a lot understand that stress can change everything in your body.  When I move to another state it has put stress on me because I have to find a job and learn other people ways of how they are thinking plus the driving it is very stressful in Las Angeles it is bumper to bumper and they will honk at you if you drive too slow or in their way. But reading chapter 10 it has taught me how the stress works and learn from it so I can control my cells in my body, the body has cells of cancer and I surely do not want to have the cells activate cause of my stress. I am learning how to meditate doing yoga, walking and do not hold anything inside anymore I am vocal more of my opinions, especially at my job. I work in a hostile environment and I am moving forward of finding another job stress is a killer and I want to see more of my life.

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  I found the video to be very interesting and I never thought that I would take stress for granted because it does play a part of my health. We normally pay attention to our well-being and it showed how the stress study was done to show how it affects our health. One thing when the baboons had dies and the test they did shock them how they led to finding how quickly a change can be made to the environment. One thing the stress can impact our physical health severely and in times we can be unaware that it can be a concern for many health issues. Stress can cause heart attacks and it can break down our bodies physically and mentally. Plus per (Portrait of a Killer, 2008) Stress can kill the brain cells.

  For taking the Holmes- Rake stress inventory I have scored 367 and it has taken me up of why I’m always so stressed and I really do not know that I am at times, cause I am gaining weight, I’m not eating a lot understand that stress can change everything in your body.  When I move to another state it has put stress on me because I have to find a job and learn other people ways of how they are thinking plus the driving it is very stressful in Las Angeles it is bumper to bumper and they will honk at you if you drive too slow or in their way. But reading chapter 10 it has taught me how the stress works and learn from it so I can control my cells in my body, the body has cells of cancer and I surely do not want to have the cells activate cause of my stress. I am learning how to meditate doing yoga, walking and do not hold anything inside anymore I am vocal more of my opinions, especially at my job. I work in a hostile environment and I am moving forward of finding another job stress is a killer and I want to see more of my life

  Discussion 1 reply 2

  Elizabeth Smith

  7:26am Jul 18 at 7:26am

  Stress can have numerous effects on the body. Severe stress can cause serious health problems ranging from weight gain to early aging and disease. Stress comes from many places. One study of mothers raising children with disabilities showed that the emotional stress from the care and time needed for their children caused early aging. Motivational factors such as work and striving to maintain a proper level of achievement can cause severe stress, and, for one man that was interviewed, severe health issues. Physically, stress has been known to cause heart issues and damage to brain cells. Mentally, stress can cause a person to behave in ways they normally would not, cause memory loss, and emotional distress in general (Stress: Portrait of a killer, 2008). Stress can take a normally healthy person and cause all sorts of issues. I have dealt with a rare form of panic attacks for the majority of my life because of stress. Losing sleep, irritability, exhaustion, and disease are all side effects of persistent stress. That is why stress management is an important skill to learn as early as possible. Determining whether a stressor is a challenge or a threat usually depends on a person’s view of the stressor. The first appraisal of a stressor is whether or not the stressor is important (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). For some people, not completing a task is not an issue for them. Other people may view not completing the same task as a serious issue, thus creating a stressor. The second appraisal is whether or not the stressor has an effect on more than one area of a person’s life (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). Some examples of this would be the loss of a job, miscalculating finances, or a car breaking down. The third appraisal is the duration of the stressor (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). If a stressor is only present for a short period, then it may be deemed manageable. If the stressor is ongoing, then its manageability may seem uncertain. The Fourth appraisal is the severity of the stressor (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). Determining the severity of a stressor can give options on how to cope with the stressor. The Fifth appraisal is whether or not the stressor is obvious or uncertain (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). Having an obvious stressor, while intimidating, may be easier to deal with. While a stressor that is not obvious is more difficult to deal with because it is more difficult to pinpoint. The sixth and final appraisal of a stressor is whether or not the stressor can be controlled (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). When an issue arises that we know we can control or handle, it becomes easier to deal with. However, when we realize that the issue is out of our control, it can create even more stress knowing that there is nothing that we can do to “fix” the issue. In each of the steps of appraisal, there are a few factors that may play into a person’s ability to cope with the stressor. If the person has a good support system, such as friends and family, then it becomes easier because they usually do not feel alone. A person’s attitude about the stressor can have a large impact on how they cope as well. If they feel hopeless, then coping with the stressor will become extremely difficult. However, if they have a positive outlook and retain hope that everything will work out, then coping with the stressor should become easier. For many people, one of the biggest issues is “what can I do about…”. If they feel that they have some control over a situation, then they can turn the stressor into a positive experience, or at the least view it as nothing more than a setback. However, realizing that a stressor is completely out of one’s control can cause a person to allow the stressor to consume them. My Stress Inventory score was below 150. According to the results, I have low stress. However, my stressor is that my teenage son has been having severe issues. This means that 1) the stressor is important to me; 2) The stressor effects all areas of my life; 3) The stressor has been going on for over 2 years; 4) It is a severe stressor because it is my child; 5) The stressor is obvious; and 6) I cannot control the stressor. My son’s issues and his refusal to cooperate with therapy have begun to wear me out. I have become so stressed that my eye has been twitching for weeks. In the past I have had panic attacks from stress, but I have learned how to circumvent those. I remain exhausted both mentally and emotionally. I am seriously considering yoga for stress relief. Unfortunately, summoning the energy to do it has proven difficult. The one thing that has helped with my stress has been school. Throwing myself into my school work has become a stress reliever for me because it takes my mind off of things for a little while. Social and cultural differences may play a part in how a person experiences stress. If a person is in a culture where peace and prosperity of all is encouraged, the coping with stressors can become second nature. However, when faced with social issues such as a social hierarchy in work, school, or other areas, stress can increase causing an array of emotions that contribute to higher stress levels.        Resources Snyder, C. R., & Pulvers, K. M. (2001). Dr. Seuss, the coping machine, and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”. In Snyder, C. R. (Ed.) Coping with Stress (3-29). Cary, US: Oxford University Press (US). doi:10.1093/med:psych/9780195130447.003.0001 Stress: Portrait of a killer [Documentary film]. (2008). France:  Focus Features. Retrieved from the Films on Demand database.

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  Stress can have numerous effects on the body. Severe stress can cause serious health problems ranging from weight gain to early aging and disease. Stress comes from many places. One study of mothers raising children with disabilities showed that the emotional stress from the care and time needed for their children caused early aging. Motivational factors such as work and striving to maintain a proper level of achievement can cause severe stress, and, for one man that was interviewed, severe health issues. Physically, stress has been known to cause heart issues and damage to brain cells. Mentally, stress can cause a person to behave in ways they normally would not, cause memory loss, and emotional distress in general (Stress: Portrait of a killer, 2008).

  Stress can take a normally healthy person and cause all sorts of issues. I have dealt with a rare form of panic attacks for the majority of my life because of stress. Losing sleep, irritability, exhaustion, and disease are all side effects of persistent stress. That is why stress management is an important skill to learn as early as possible.

  Determining whether a stressor is a challenge or a threat usually depends on a person’s view of the stressor. The first appraisal of a stressor is whether or not the stressor is important (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). For some people, not completing a task is not an issue for them. Other people may view not completing the same task as a serious issue, thus creating a stressor. The second appraisal is whether or not the stressor has an effect on more than one area of a person’s life (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). Some examples of this would be the loss of a job, miscalculating finances, or a car breaking down. The third appraisal is the duration of the stressor (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). If a stressor is only present for a short period, then it may be deemed manageable. If the stressor is ongoing, then its manageability may seem uncertain. The Fourth appraisal is the severity of the stressor (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). Determining the severity of a stressor can give options on how to cope with the stressor. The Fifth appraisal is whether or not stressor can give options on how to cope with the stressor. The Fifth appraisal is whether or not the stressor is obvious or uncertain (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). Having an obvious stressor, while intimidating, may be easier to deal with. While a stressor that is not obvious is more difficult to deal with because it is more difficult to pinpoint. The sixth and final appraisal of a stressor is whether or not the stressor can be controlled (Snyder & Pulvers, 2001). When an issue arises that we know we can control or handle, it becomes easier to deal with. However, when we realize that the issue is out of our control, it can create even more stress knowing that there is nothing that we can do to “fix” the issue.

  In each of the steps of appraisal, there are a few factors that may play into a person’s ability to cope with the stressor. If the person has a good support system, such as friends and family, then it becomes easier because they usually do not feel alone. A person’s attitude about the stressor can have a large impact on how they cope as well. If they feel hopeless, then coping with the stressor will become extremely difficult. However, if they have a positive outlook and retain hope that everything will work out, then coping with the stressor should become easier. For many people, one of the biggest issues is “what can I do about…”. If they feel that they have some control over a situation, then they can turn the stressor into a positive experience, or at the least view it as nothing more than a setback. However, realizing that a stressor is completely out of one’s control can cause a person to allow the stressor to consume them.

  My Stress Inventory score was below 150. According to the results, I have low stress. However, my stressor is that my teenage son has been having severe issues. This means that 1) the stressor is important to me; 2) The stressor effects all areas of my life; 3) The stressor has been going on for over 2 years; 4) It is a severe stressor because it is my child; 5) The stressor is obvious; and 6) I cannot control the stressor. My son’s issues and his refusal to cooperate with therapy have begun to wear me out. I have become so stressed that my eye has been twitching for weeks. In the past I have had panic attacks from stress, but I have learned how to circumvent those. I remain exhausted both mentally and emotionally. I am seriously considering yoga for stress relief. Unfortunately, summoning the energy to do it has proven difficult. The one thing that has helped with my stress has been school. Throwing myself into my school work has become a stress reliever for me because it takes my mind off of things for a little while.

  Social and cultural differences may play a part in how a person experiences stress. If a person is in a culture where peace and prosperity of all is encouraged, the coping with stressors can become second nature. However, when faced with social issues such as a social hierarchy in work, school, or other areas, stress can increase causing an array of emotions that contribute to higher stress levels.   

  Resources

  Snyder, C. R., & Pulvers, K. M. (2001). Dr. Seuss, the coping machine, and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”. In Snyder, C. R. (Ed.) Coping with Stress (3-29). Cary, US: Oxford University Press (US). doi:10.1093/med:psych/9780195130447.003.0001

  Stress: Portrait of a killer [Documentary film]. (2008). France:  Focus Features. Retrieved from the Films on Demand database.

  Discussion 2

  Psychological Disorders and Therapies:  Doctor for a Day

  To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapter 10 of your textbook.  Read “Conceptualizing Psychiatric Disorders Using ‘Four D’s’ of Diagnoses (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.” and browse Research-Supported Psychological Treatments (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. You must also utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5e (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. to inform your thinking.  Finally, review Instructor Guidance and Announcements.  In this discussion, you will consider psychological disorders and therapies.  Be sure to use your own academic voice (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and apply in-text citations (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. appropriately throughout your post.

  • Choose a character from a book, television show, or movie who is portrayed as suffering from a psychological disorder.  [Examples: “My Mad Fat Diary”, “The Hunger Games Series”, “Forest Gump”, “Rain Man” (Please do not use these.)]
  • Briefly describe the character and his(her) behaviors that lead you to believe they have a disorder.
  • Read “Conceptualizing Psychiatric Disorders Using ‘Four D’s’ of Diagnoses (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.”.  Note that many professionals utilize the four “Ds” to determine abnormality: 
  • Read “Conceptualizing Psychiatric Disorders Using ‘Four D’s’ of Diagnoses (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.”.  Note that many professionals utilize the four “Ds” to determine abnormality: 
    • Deviance:  Are the behaviors/feelings deviant?
    • Dysfunction:  Do the behaviors/feelings interfere with the individual’s ability to function in daily life?
    • Distress:  Does the individual experience distress due to the behaviors/feelings?
    • Danger:  Are the behaviors/feelings harmful to the individual or those around him/her?
    • (Some consider a fifth “D”, Duration.).
  • Appraise your character and his/her behaviors/feelings for each of the above “Ds”.  Are variations in his/her behaviors/feelings significant enough to constitute a psychological disorder, in your opinion?
  • Review the textbook.  After determining a diagnosis that—in your opinion—fits the character’s behaviors/feelings (which may or may not be indicated in the book, television show, or movie), locate additional information about this disorder in the DSM-5 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..  Briefly describe the disorder that you think fits your character and explain why.
  • Review Research-Supported Psychological Treatments (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..  Discuss possible treatment options for this particular disorder.
  • Explain how cultural and social diversity might influence perception and experience of this disorder.
  • Remember to use your own academic voice (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and apply in-text citations (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. appropriately throughout your post.

  • Post your initial response of 250 words or more by Day 3 (Thursday).  Respond to at least two of your peers by Day 7 (Monday).  You are encouraged to post one or more of your required replies early

     each week (e.g., by Saturday) to stimulate more meaningful and interactive discourse in the discussion forum.   In addition, strive to provide a response to classmates who reply to your initial post and/or the Instructor (if applicable).  Peer responses may vary in length but should be carefully crafted and insightful.  Below are some suggestions to assist your thinking.

    Guided Response:  Reply to at least one peer who chose a character other than the one you selected and two or more peers overall.  The goal of the discussion forum is to foster continual dialogue, similar to what might occur in a verbal face-to-face exchange. Consider the following in your responses:

    • Review your peer’s application.  Consider the 4 “D”s and share your thoughts on whether the behavior illustrates a disorder or not. 
    • Point out qualities he or she may have overlooked that support the possible diagnosis of the identified disorder or suggest otherwise. 

    Continue to monitor this discussion board through 5 PM (Mountain Time) on Day 7 of the week. Peer responses may vary in length but should be detailed and thought provoking.  You are expected to respond to any question posed to you by the instructor, and you are encouraged to reply to your classmates’ questions as well.  Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses to your classmates and your instructor.

    Discussion 2 responds 1 

    James Cross

    Yesterday Jul 17 at 8:20pm

    The character I would like to highlight is Matt Damon's character in the film 'The Talented Mr. Ripley.'  Matt Damon portrayed Tom Ripley, who was a genius; he could master any craft he put his mind to, he was musically gifted, and he was a really good at reading people and using that information for his personal gain.  Tom Ripley was so good at mastering things, he taught himself to learn how to identify jazz music (instrumentals) merely for the sake of making a score.  When Tom became obsessed with something/someone, he would pull out all stops to make it so.  He eventually became murderous in his efforts, which makes me believe he had a disorder.  Also, when he committed these murders, he felt no remorse.  Life simply continued as it had.  Although, initially, his behaviors were not deviant, they eventually grew to become so.  As this character evolved, his actions became more routinely deviant.  His genius afforded him the ability to conform to any environment, which helped him to blend into a multitude of social settings.  This prevented any dysfunction in his daily life, he could be anyone he wanted to be, at any time.  Tom eventually showed the distress trait.  As the film concluded, he killed his lover.  As he strangled his lover, he wept and confessed his regret aloud as the life was slipping from his final victim.  Tom Ripley was a very complicated character.  There would be imminent danger posed to anyone who gets close to this character.  As long as you are on his good side, Tom will pose no threat, but things can change very quickly.  There was one scene where Gwyneth Paltrow's character had an idea as to what Tom was doing, so he had mentally prepared himself to kill her, luckily his romantic partner had entered the room, ultimately thwarting his plan.  I believe duration should be included in the diagnosis of Tom Ripley.  These traits are constant, they persist and pose a constant threat to anyone who attempts to befriend him. Of the diagnoses researched, I have concluded that Tom Ripley has personality disorders.  Due to the selfish exploitation of others and his confidence, he has narcissistic personality disorder.  His lack of remorse for his actions, abusive relationships, and lack of empathy, shows his antisocial personality disorder.  Lastly, his moods fluctuate, and are often unpredictable and extreme, shows borderline personality disorder.  As far as treatment, I would prescribe dialectic behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder.  Lefrançois (2016) defined dialectic behavior therapy as "a form of therapy that begins with the premise that some people react more strongly and intensely than others to the emotional aspects of their lives, often experiencing dramatic fluctuations in moods and emotions." This could aid Tom with identifying his emotions and dealing with them in a healthier manner.  I would also utilize humanistic and client-centered therapies in an attempt to gain self-actualization and for him to see his actions through therapudic technique that is catered to him and his uniqueness.  References Lefrançois, G.R.  (2016)  Psychology: The Human Puzzle.  Second Edition.  Retrieved July 17, 2017, from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUPSY101.16.1/sections/ch10summary

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    The character I would like to highlight is Matt Damon's character in the film 'The Talented Mr. Ripley.'  Matt Damon portrayed Tom Ripley, who was a genius; he could master any craft he put his mind to, he was musically gifted, and he was a really good at reading people and using that information for his personal gain.  Tom Ripley was so good at mastering things, he taught himself to learn how to identify jazz music (instrumentals) merely for the sake of making a score.  When Tom became obsessed with something/someone, he would pull out all stops to make it so.  He eventually became murderous in his efforts, which makes me believe he had a disorder.  Also, when he committed these murders, he felt no remorse.  Life simply continued as it had. 

    Although, initially, his behaviors were not deviant, they eventually grew to become so.  As this character evolved, his actions became more routinely deviant.  His genius afforded him the ability to conform to any environment, which helped him to blend into a multitude of social settings.  This prevented any dysfunction in his daily life, he could be anyone he wanted to be, at any time.  Tom eventually showed the distress trait.  As the film concluded, he killed his lover.  As he strangled his lover, he wept and confessed his regret aloud as the life was slipping from his final victim.  Tom Ripley was a very complicated character.  There would be imminent danger posed to anyone who gets close to this character.  As long as you are on his good side, Tom will pose no threat, but things can change very quickly.  There was one scene where Gwyneth Paltrow's character had an idea as to what Tom was doing, so he had mentally prepared himself to kill her, luckily his romantic partner had entered the room, ultimately thwarting his plan.  I believe duration should be included in the diagnosis of Tom Ripley.  These traits are constant, they persist and pose a constant threat to anyone who attempts to befriend him.

    Of the diagnoses researched, I have concluded that Tom Ripley has personality disorders.  Due to the selfish exploitation of others and his confidence, he has narcissistic personality disorder. 

    His lack of remorse for his actions, abusive relationships, and lack of empathy, shows his antisocial personality disorder.  Lastly, his moods fluctuate, and are often unpredictable and extreme, shows borderline personality disorder.  As far as treatment, I would prescribe dialectic behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder.  Lefrançois (2016) defined dialectic behavior therapy as "a form of therapy that begins with the premise that some people react more strongly and intensely than others to the emotional aspects of their lives, often experiencing dramatic fluctuations in moods and emotions." This could aid Tom with identifying his emotions and dealing with them in a healthier manner.  I would also utilize humanistic and client-centered therapies in an attempt to gain self-actualization and for him to see his actions through therapudic technique that is catered to him and his uniqueness. 

    References

    Lefrançois, G.R.  (2016)  Psychology: The Human Puzzle.  Second Edition.  Retrieved July 17, 2017, from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUPSY101.16.1/sections/ch10summary (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

   Discussion 2 reply 2

  Audrey Wallace

  3:05pm Jul 18 at 3:05pm

  The character I chose to write about this week is from the Extreme Hoarders TV Series.  She is known as the Bat Sh!t Crazy Poop Hoarder.   I thought about whether or not it was appropriate to write about her for this discussion topic.  I hope I do not offend anyone.  I could not think of a hoarder who is quite so disturbing.  She is living with a very serious disorder, which severely affects the gamut of the four D’s of Psychiatric diagnosis. To start with, deviance is described as the state of departing from usual or accepted standards.  To store and actually eat your own human waste is most definitely a break from normal standards.  These behaviors and feelings interfered with her ability to function in daily life and most likely stem from the outcome of traumatic episodes earlier in her life.  She stated that her mother hoarded her own waste too.  The woman in the television show was under a great deal of stress and was considered ‘bat sh!t crazy’ to the point where authorities were called in to intervene, and attempt to fumigate the house where she lived.  The extreme poop hoarder became violent when authorities tried to enter her home.  When she became possessive of her waste and destructive toward those who were there to help, she put herself and others in grave danger.  This woman is an extreme example of one who constitutes a psychological disorder.  In reviewing the textbook, I believe her disorder can be categorized as an impulse control and conduct issue and intermittent explosive disorder where she is marked by the repeated failure to resist these aggressive impulses.  Furthermore, obsessive compulsive and related disorder is another label, which is characterized by an overpowering inability to part with her possession (in this case her own waste), no matter the value (LeFancois, 2016).  An introduction of cognitive-behavioral therapy, medical therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy could serve her well in recovering from her mind-baffling disorder.    Her cultural and social diversity is negatively influence because her olfactory system is not in working order so she does not realize how bad she reeks. How does someone with this sort of illness ever overcome the stigma it creates?   We all need to count our blessings.    Reference: LeFrancois, G. (2016). Psychology: The human puzzle (2nd ed.). [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/

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  The character I chose to write about this week is from the Extreme Hoarders TV Series.  She is known as the Bat Sh!t Crazy Poop Hoarder.   I thought about whether or not it was appropriate to write about her for this discussion topic.  I hope I do not offend anyone.  I could not think of a hoarder who is quite so disturbing.  She is living with a very serious disorder, which severely affects the gamut of the four D’s of Psychiatric diagnosis. To start with, deviance is described as the state of departing from usual or accepted standards.  To store and actually eat your own human waste is most definitely a break from normal standards.  These behaviors and feelings interfered with her ability to function in daily life and most likely stem from the outcome of traumatic episodes earlier in her life.  She stated that her mother hoarded her own waste too.  The woman in the television show was under a great deal of stress and was considered ‘bat sh!t crazy’ to the point where authorities were called in to intervene, and attempt to fumigate the house where she lived.  The extreme poop hoarder became violent when authorities tried to enter her home.  When she became possessive of her waste and destructive toward those who were there to help, she put herself and others in grave danger. 

  This woman is an extreme example of one who constitutes a psychological disorder.  In reviewing the textbook, I believe her disorder can be categorized as an impulse control and conduct issue and intermittent explosive disorder where she is marked by the repeated failure to resist these aggressive impulses.  Furthermore, obsessive compulsive and related disorder is another label, which is characterized by an overpowering inability to part with her possession (in this case her own waste), no matter the value (LeFancois, 2016).  An introduction of cognitive-behavioral therapy, medical therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy could serve her well in recovering from her mind-baffling disorder.   

  Her cultural and social diversity is negatively influence because her olfactory system is not in working order so she does not realize how bad she reeks. How does someone with this sort of illness ever overcome the stigma it creates?   We all need to count our blessings.   

  Reference:

  LeFrancois, G. (2016). Psychology: The human puzzle (2nd ed.). [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/