PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS & THE MOVIES

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:

1. What psychological disorder was illustrated in this film? Did the person meet the criteria for "abnormal" in this portrayal?

2. 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.

3. Were any causal factors for the character's disorder suggested in the film? If so, which ones?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. After viewing the movie, what do you think it would be like to live with this mental illness?

7. 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.)

• A Beautiful Mind (Psychosis)
• Girl Interrupted (Variety of Disorders)
• Silver Linings Playbook (Bipolar Disorder)
• American Beauty (Depression)
• Flight w/Denzel Washington (Alcoholism)

ASSIGNMENT FORMAT:

1. Answer the questions as numbered responses 1 through 7.

2. Typed and double spaced, Times New Roman (11 or 12 point font) and 1 inch margins

3.  You do not need to cite/reference the movie, but if you use any additional sources you should cite and reference them (this is not necessary, but some students do reference other material as they answer the questions).