Question

If abnormality is defined as behavior that causes personal discomfort or harms others, which of the following people is most likely to need treatment? a. An executive is afraid lo accept a promotion because it would require moving from his ground-floor office to the top floor of a tall office building: b. A woman decides to quit her job and chooses to live on the street in order to live a "simpler life." c. A man believes that friendly spacemen visit his house every Thursday: d. A photographer lives with 19 cats in a small apartment, lovingly caring for them.

Short answer

Based on the descriptions given, the man who believes that spacemen visit his house every Thursday is most likely to need treatment. His belief may lead to spreading nonfactual information or reacting in risky or harmful ways. The other situations, though they may cause personal discomfort, do not seem to involve harm to others to the same extent.

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing the first situation

An executive is afraid to accept a promotion because it would require moving from his ground-floor office to the top floor of a tall office building. This might lead to some personal discomfort due to the potential fear of heights, but it doesn't necessarily involve harm to others.

Analyzing the second situation

A woman decides to quit her job and chooses to live on the street in order to live a 'simpler life.' Again, this might cause some discomfort to her on some levels, but no indication of harm to others is established from this description.

Analyzing the third situation

A man believes that friendly spacemen visit his house every Thursday. This situation seems a bit unusual, and depending on the extent of his belief, it could cause discomfort or harm if he starts spreading nonfactual information or acts erratically based on this belief.

Analyzing the fourth situation

A photographer lives with 19 cats in a small apartment, lovingly caring for them. This could potentially cause harm to others, particularly if the number of cats causes nuisance or health issues for neighbours, etc.

Key concepts

Behavioral Analysis

Behavioral analysis is essential in understanding human actions and helps identify when such behaviors are considered abnormal. In the context of the exercise, each individual's actions are analyzed to determine their normalcy. For example, the executive's fear of heights might seem irrational but doesn't directly harm others. Similarly, living with numerous cats might indicate an obsession, but the behavior is primarily a concern if it affects neighbors through noise or sanitation issues. By assessing these cases using behavioral analysis, we can discern which actions are likely to require intervention. This analysis considers cultural norms, the frequency, and potential consequences of the behaviors exhibited.

Mental Health Assessment

A mental health assessment involves evaluating an individual's psychological well-being to identify potential disorders. In the exercise provided, it would be crucial to assess each person's mental state to determine if treatment is necessary. The executive's fear of heights might indicate an anxiety disorder. The belief in friendly spacemen could suggest delusion, often associated with conditions like schizophrenia. Through assessments, professionals can identify whether these beliefs and fears disrupt daily life and cause significant distress, thereby determining the need for psychological intervention. This process typically includes interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes, clinical tests.

Psychological Treatment

Psychological treatment is crucial for addressing behaviors and thoughts that cause significant personal distress or harm to others. One common treatment method is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals modify irrational thoughts. For instance, CBT might be beneficial for the executive's fear of heights, helping them confront and reduce anxiety. Another form of treatment might be necessary for the man with delusional beliefs about spacemen, such as antipsychotic medication, paired with therapy, to manage these symptoms. Effective treatment is personalized, addressing each individual's unique needs and circumstances to promote better mental health.

Discomfort and Harm in Psychology

In psychology, discomfort refers to distress felt due to one's experiences or thoughts. Harm involves actions that negatively impact others' well-being. In the exercise, the primary concern is identifying who might need treatment based on discomfort and harm levels. For example, living with 19 cats might cause discomfort from lifestyle chaos, but the potential harm arises if it results in health hazards for the community. Similarly, personal discomfort is seen in the executive fearing heights, but since it doesn't harm others, it primarily impacts his professional advancement. Understanding these concepts helps diagnose and treat psychological conditions effectively.