PSYCH 515 Week 1 Individual Introductory Case Study

Jim is a 48-year-old Caucasian male who is often described as a loner. For the past 15 years, Jim has maintained steady employment as a technical writer for a mid-size publishing company. Jim lives in a one bedroom apartment and pays his bills on time. He has never married, has no children and expresses little interest in interpersonal relationships or friendships. Although his parents and brother live in the same city as Jim, he sees them only on major holidays. He does not seem interested in deepening these relationships. In his leisure time, Jim engages in solitary pursuits such as reading and computer games. He lives life ‘under the radar’ and prefers it that way claiming that social interactions have never been all that satisfying to him. Others describe Jim as socially awkward. He often misses social cues which can make others feel uncomfortable. For example, he may continue talking when others give cues that it is time to end a conversation. He has also been known to express his opinions on things in a ‘brutally honest’ way. These behaviors have isolated Jim socially and interfered with his ability to form lasting friendships. He appears to be oblivious to his social mistakes, having only a vague understanding of particular social interactions as ‘going well’ or ‘not going well.’ Jim acknowledges that he may seem ‘a little different’ to others but this doesn’t bother him in the least. He appears more or less indifferent to the opinions of others.

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper that addresses the following questions:

Is Jim's behavior abnormal? Use the six primary elements of abnormal behavior, outlined in Chapter 1 of Abnormal Psychology, to answer this question.

Explain which of these six elements is incorporated into the DSM-IV Definition of Mental Disorders that is reviewed within Chapter 1, Table 1.1.

Would Jim have a 'mental disorder' according to the DSM-IV definition? Why or why not? Explain. Do not provide a DSM diagnosis. Instead, compare Jim to the DSM-IV Definition of Mental Disorders that is reviewed within Chapter 1, Table 1.1.

Analyze the pros and cons of having a classification system such as the DSM-IV. In your analysis, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of applying a classification system for abnormal behavior to "Jim", the subject of your case study

Review the Introductory Case Study Tips.

Format according to APA standards, with a Title Page, in-text reference citations, and a Reference List.

Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.