Chapter 15 Questions for Discussion

  1. In the medical model, the individual experiencing psychological distress is labeled as “ill.” This label can be considered a hypothesis—that is, the therapist may or may not be correct in the label applied. Once this hypothesis is in place, though, how might confirmation bias (the tendency to seek out information that is consistent with, and thus confirms, one’s beliefs) influence what behaviors the therapist notices and remembers? Should therapists avoid labeling? [Analyze, Evaluate]

  2. Once a therapist labels a client as having a psychological disorder, how might that labeling become a self-fulfilling prophecy? For example, are there ways the therapist might act toward a client diagnosed with major depression that might elicit responses that resemble symptoms? [Analyze]

  3. You read about several criticisms of the DSM, including the idea that its use can lead to overdiagnosis of disorders. For instance, in Cairo, Egypt, it is normal for grief to last a very long time following the loss of a family member. This prolonged grief might be diagnosed as a disorder following the DSM criteria. How should cultural differences like these be handled? Does the DSM need to change in response, or is it up to the clinician to take these factors into account? [Evaluate]

  4. 699

    In the text, an individual with OCD was quoted as saying, “The fear I had, that someone I love would be hurt or die as a result of me not checking everything is safe, was all-consuming. It was taking four hours to check and re-check that the gas was off.” How does this quote illustrate a principle emphasized by behavior therapists, namely, that behavior is controlled by its consequences? What behavior was being reinforced and what was the reinforcer? How might the control of behavior by its consequence help us understand how OCD symptoms may maintain themselves over time? [Analyze]

  5. You learned that in cognitive therapies, the therapist’s goal is to get the client to change his or her automatic thoughts. Identify an automatic thought you may have had in response to a failed exam. If it was a thought that ultimately helped you do better in the future, what about it was so motivating? If it was one that led to future failure, what was it about the thought that was so demotivating? How could you change it? [Analyze]

  6. Humanistic theorists claim that in therapy, three conditions are necessary and sufficient for fostering psychological change: genuineness, acceptance, and empathic understanding. That is, if a therapist can provide these three conditions in therapy, the individual will experience positive growth. Do you agree? Are there other conditions you see as necessary for helping individuals achieve their goals in therapy? [Evaluate]

  7. Jhin’s friends have noticed that he never shows up for kickball games anymore, even though it used to be the highlight of his Wednesdays. When he does show up to class, he often seems kind of confused, so his teachers rarely call on him anymore. All he seems to want to do is sleep all day. He rarely eats and appears to be very tired. When his best friend expressed concern for him, he replied, “What does it matter whether I’m happy or not?” Do you have enough information to diagnose Jhin with a mental disorder? If not, what other information would you like? [Analyze]

  8. Consider why exposure therapy is useful. (Hint: Do clients experience the negative consequences they expect, following exposure to an anxiety-arousing stimulus?) When group therapy is used to treat social anxiety disorder, is it a form of exposure therapy? Explain. [Analyze]