What Celebrity Case Studies Can Teach about Clinical Formulation of Mental Health Conditions

Abstract

A key challenge in the ‘making of the psychologist’ is how to teach clinical case formulation, which goes beyond just listing the symptoms that make the ‘diagnosis’. One approach which has been both effective and popular among students entails employing case studies of individuals who are celebrities with known mental health conditions and then exploring not only their presenting problems and symptoms, but also a detailed analysis of biopsychosocial predisposing concerns, precipitating events, perpetuating circumstances, and protective factors. Nine cases deemed to be particularly suitable for such psychobiographical instruction are reviewed to illustrate the learning points about case formulation. The cases were chosen because they provide a breadth of presenting symptoms and the individuals under consideration are ones who for the most part have been self-disclosing about their conditions, which makes the clinical material accessible for study; a number have been leaders in the fight against mental illness stigma. The use of celebrity case accounts serves to develop talents in case formulation and appreciation for the complexity of people and the developmental influences in identity formation. Further pedagogic benefits are heightened awareness of mental health stigma issues and the personal and societal barriers individuals face in seeking needed help.     

Mattel,Lead Paint,and Magnets: Ethics and Supply Chain Management

Over a period of 19 months in 2006 and 2007, Mattel recalled approximately 14 million toys. The company was subjected to numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions and suffered severe damage to its reputation. Two issues were involved: excessive levels of lead in numerous toy surface paints and small detachable magnets in some toys, which could be swallowed. An examination of the facts shows that two different ethical situations were involved—one concerning product design and the other concerning manufacturing practices of Mattel's Chinese contractors and subcontractors. The ethical obligations of the company and individuals within the company in the two situations were quite different, and illustrate problems faced by companies in managing their global supply chains.     

Victim's Response And Alcohol-Related Factors As Determinants Of Women's Responses To Violent Pornography

Women suffer a variety of detrimental effects from exposure to violent pornography. This study examined the role of specific situational cues embedded within a violent pornographic story, as well as alcohol consumption and alcohol expectancies, to determine potential mechanisms through which these effects occur. Female social drinkers ( N = 123), recruited from the community at large, participated in a between-subjects factorial experiment varying two situational cues—victim response (pleasure vs. distress) and story character beverage consumption (alcohol vs. mineral water)—and participant beverage consumption (alcohol vs. placebo vs. tonic). Results indicate that participants' identification with the victim plays a key role in affecting their responses and that alcohol-related factors appear to exacerbate the negative impact of pornography.