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Assignment title: The Problem with the Solution Learning objective(s):  Explore various ways in which mental health treatment is conceptualized and implemented in American society

Psychology

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Assignment title: The Problem with the Solution

Learning objective(s):  Explore various ways in which mental health treatment is conceptualized and implemented in American society.  Explore how we define "normality" vs. "abnormality." Consider what the goal of therapy tends to be and whether that is always in the best interest of clients. 

Submission details:  Please complete these questions in the discussion board below and respond, in-depth (per the criteria outlined in the course welcome letter) to at least ONE classmate.

Scoring criteria/rubric:  A rubric is attached to the discussion board.  The assignment is worth 10 points.

Restrictions: You must complete this assignment INDIVIDUALLY.  You are not to work in pairs or groups.

Length: Your answers to each question should be thorough yet concise.  There is no length requirement, but all aspects of each question must be addressed completely.

Resources: Please refer to chapters 3 and 4 when answering these questions.  Be sure to integrate concepts from the readings as well as any outside sources that are relevant.  If you use outside sources, please cite the sources and provide and APA style reference.

The textbook for this course, much like the field of mental health treatment, subscribes primarily to a medical model wherein mental health issues are conceptualized as diseases that can be either cured or treated, often through medications.  Most of us would agree that the goal of mental health treatment in American society is to help a person restore or approximate "normality" of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.  The title of this course is indicative of our focus on "normal vs. abnormal." 

Please listen to this podcast (Links to an external site.), and then respond to these questions:

1) Did this podcast change the way you think about abnormal behavior and psychopathology? If not, why? If so, how?

2) Compare and contrast the medical model that we currently use with the model outlined in the podcast, which you can refer to as the "Geel Model"  What are the pros and cons of each? 

3) Do you think the Geel Model could ever be applied here on a wide scale?  Even if it could, do you think it should?