Disease Model Versus Positive Psychology Worksheet

University of Phoenix Material

Disease Model Versus Positive Psychology Worksheet

Read the scenario and answer the questions in no less than 200 words each. Support your responses with detail from this week’s assigned video and reading. Include APA-formatted citations and references.

William is a 44-year old project manager for a large commercial construction firm. He started out as a gifted carpenter who greatly enjoyed designing and building custom furniture. However, after several promotions, he focuses on bringing in new business. He spends many work hours at his computer or on the telephone. He is divorced and rarely sees his two daughters. In recent years, he has gained weight and is displeased with his appearance, but has no interest in or energy for exercise. He does not sleep well because he worries about business problems at night. He was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. Although he is financially secure, he rarely takes vacations or socializes outside of the office. He has begun to feel that his life is pointless.

Discuss William’s situation from the perspective of traditional psychology. What information would be most important? What conclusions and recommendations might be made by a psychologist working from the disease model? Traditional psychology approach finds ways to treat the problem by use of various techniques. Principally, the technique makes a look at the past, present and the future of the life of an individual. In addition, the approach focuses on traumatic events that may have taken place and how they lead to the functioning of an individual. Therefore, a traditional psychologist should look back at the reasons for divorce because the will help relief the pain that he feels. Additionally, William should try to find the reasons that lead to not being close to his daughters. Some of the information that pertains to his current condition may include worries about the problems because of his business. Moreover, William’s divorce may also be affecting his health. Therefore, the traditional psychologist should recommend that he allocates more time on family issues and less on business problems.

Discuss William’s situation from the perspective of positive psychology. What information would be most important? What conclusions and recommendations might be made by a psychologist working from the positive psychology model? On the other hand, positive psychology created by Martin Seligman proposes that psychologists should not focus on how things have gone wrong with people’s lives. However, they should emphasize more on ideas that might lead to a happy life. In light of this, a positive psychologist should help William appreciate the meaning of life and be able to move on from the initial occurrences. William should be advised to marry again because it may help forget the divorce. He should also involve his daughters in the welfares of the business. This will ease the burden of running the company alone and, therefore, more time for exercise. Lack of exercises may lead to improper nutrition and, therefore, the change in weight that he is experiencing. Taking vacations and socializing with people is a good step towards good health and relationships. With socializing, William will have the chance to make new friends and less boredom from work.