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Homework answers / question archive / 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
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?
1) Did this podcast change the way you think about abnormal behavior and psychopathology? If not, why? If so, how?
I have always known and accepted that not all mental illnesses and disorders have an actual cure. However, the Geel Model put forth in this podcast is astounding. It goes against almost everything that our current medical model in the United States stands for. The idea of actively not attempting to find a solution is fascinating. It makes such perfect sense to let people just be who they are, freely, in a safe and accepting environment. They key word here is “accepting”
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?
On one hand, the host families that take in boarders in Geel could face some dangerous situations for which they may not be prepared. Knowing no background or details is really going into a situation blindly. However, the lack of background does allow there to be no preconceived notions or labels that could hinder the “free” acceptance of the individual, which is part of the foundation of the Geel Model.
Another major difference between our medical model and that of the Geel Model is when it comes to monitoring patients with mental disorders. The medical model stresses follow up for appointments, medicine, counseling, and staying connected to the mental health and medical professionals for “treatment”. In the Geel Model, there is no formal treatment, and the only connectivity is with the community that embraces and accepts the individuals. There is no rigorous follow up or course of treatment, therefore there is likely not an over expression of emotions as mentioned in the podcast. This law of expressed emotion can cause relapse in patients. The Geel Model is not one that would provide the circumstances for that; the United States, on the other hand, with the medical model, is often a hotbed of expressed emotion.
As we see in our text, there is a lot of time and money that goes into researching and studying mental disorders.I would like to see the contemporary trends and future directions section lengthened and more detailed and should not be something that is simplified or skimmed. I believe that alternative methods like the Geel Model could benefit the world of psychology and help move us even further into the research and use of non-”treatment” methods as well as acceptance.
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?
As I mentioned in my response to question one, the key word in the Geel Model is “accepting” or “acceptance”. I believe there is still such a stigma attached to mental health that this model, even in the early stages, would struggle in the United States.I have heard people make remarks about not ever wanting to be a host family for foreign exchange students because of cultural and possible language barriers (though many speak English), so I could imagine the attitude towards taking in someone, a stranger, with a mental disorder. Top that with not knowing any background on the person, and worries of liability, vulnerability, risks, and safety. I do not believe the United States is ready for that. In our individualistic culture, I am not sure the United States would ever be able to practice the Geel Model. I also do not think that many Americans would be okay with moving into an apartment building only to later find out that many of the tenants have mental illnesses. I was surprised that Mrs. Dickerson and many other unidentified tenants said they did not feel tricked when asked in the podcast. Much of this could probably be related to the situations in which many of them had been in with regard to living and homelessness. While I was surprised, it was a pleasant surprise. Not the answers I expected, but perhaps a sliver of hope for this model in the United States.