Assignment:
Fatal Attraction/Stanford Prison Experiment
Part I
In the movie "Fatal Attraction" the main character is suffering from a mental illness. Analyze the character's illness in terms of one or more of the theoretical perspectives (e.g. biological, psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, biopsychosocial). Be sure to include references.
1. Describe the character's diagnosis in terms of the DSM-IV, be sure to include two criteria that the character meets.
2. Describe one perspectives of mental illness that best explains the development of the character's symptoms, along with at least two supporting facts.
3. Describe any treatment received by the character. Describe two reasons that you would recommend similar or different treatment. If the character did not receive treatment, describe the type of treatment you would recommend with two supporting facts.
Part II
In evaluating the Stanford Prison Study, respond to the following:
1. Describe one factor that prevented "good guards" from objecting or countermanding the orders from tough or bad guards.
2. Describe one reason why prisoners try to work within the arbitrary prison system to effect a change in it (e.g. Setting up a grievance committee), rather than trying to dismantle or change the system through outside help.
3. Describe two factors that would lead prisoners to attribute guard brutality to the guard's disposition or character, rather than to the situation.
4. Do you think it was ethical to conduct the study? Provide two reasons to support your position
Be sure to include references