Disease Model Versus Positive Psychology 2265n

Running head: DISEASE MODEL vs POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Disease Model Versus Positive Psychology Name: Institutional Affiliation:

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DISEASE MODEL vs POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

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Answer 1 Traditional psychology is d with various elements. With particular reference to William’s condition traditional psychology would focus more on the behaviors he is exhibiting. The traumatic experiences in William’s life deny him the chance of experiencing happiness. This has led to him developing depression. In order to restore his happiness, it is crucial for him to undergo treatment. According to Baurngardner & Crothers (2009), it is important to have a disease model in psychology which would focus on the importance of treating the prevailing condition instead of just providing strength. This is the model that traditional psychology would focus on. William is giving a manifestation of behaviors d with depression. Such behaviors include, seldom with his children, lack of social life and engaging in pleasuring activities, health complication like weight gain, giving up in life, lack of enough sleep, and decreased motivation. William’s condition has contributed to concern about his mental health and therefore focusing on various kinds of therapies that would reduce the mental illness is critical (James, 2012). It is quite true that William is likely to be diagnosed with a fundamental depressive disorder which would lead to the medical practitioner recommending an incorporation of both therapeutic practices and medication. For instance, the medical practitioner may employ the techniques associated with cognitive behavior to target the dysfunctional thoughts of William as well his behavior. This would involve assisting him to come up with a fitness plan aimed at enhancing his physical health. The medical practitioner may also advise him more on how to use his business preoccupation as a way of coping up with other areas of life like socialization and relationship with his family. In general, the medical practitioner should focus on what makes William an all-round healthy individual.

DISEASE MODEL vs POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

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Answer 2 It is important that William should focus more on his positive life. However, this is not the case. Positive psychology is important as it draws an individual closer to the aspects of wellbeing, satisfaction, hope and optimism implying that it is meant to improve positivity in an individual (Csikszentmihalyi, 2014). At this moment, it is quite clear that William is unhappy with his life. One fact worth considering is that William has been focusing much on the negative side of life rather than the positive part of it. Martin Seligman (2008) has made efforts to plea with APA to focus more on promoting the best in human behavior rather than bringing out the worst in them. As a requirement of positive psychology, the medical practitioner should focus more on William’s strength, and how he can manipulate them to induce happiness in him leading to healthy life. In this case, it would be important to deduce the positive attributes of William which include his life as a carpenter, the capability he has in coming up with a successful business, his intelligence, all the way to his family. The clinician’s role would be to assist William focus more on these positive attributes and help him improve the current circumstances surrounding his life. For instance, the clinician may advise William to begin spending some time doing some work involving the use of hands, particularly when doing his business job. This in one way or another may mitigate the pressure he is experiencing in life while also building selfesteem on him. Reuniting with his family would be another way that would help him feel better about himself. Lastly, the clinician should assist William to channel his ego and energy towards living a healthier lifestyle which includes exercising and healthy dietary techniques. This would help William achieve a happier life which is more balanced in various aspects.

DISEASE MODEL vs POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY References Baumgardner, S. R. & Crothers, M. K. (2009). Positive Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2014). Flow and the foundations of positive psychology (1st ed., p. Chapter 18). New York, NY: Springer. James, W. (2012). The principles of psychology (1st ed.). [New York]: Dover Publications. TedTalks: Martin Seligman—what positive psychology can help you become [Video file]. (2008). InFilms On Demand. Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=7967&xtid=48120

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