Case Study Jim

Introductory case study

G

515

May 25, 2012

After reviewing Jim's case he would be viewed by society as abnormal. What makes Jim appear abnormal would be how he engages in conversation with others by missing social cues. Jim has little contact or conversation with other people that makes his ability to carry a normal conversation difficult. Under the primary elements of abnormal behavior Jim's behavior is considered a social discomfort. The social discomfort element refers to someone who violates a social rule, those around him or her may experience a sense of discomfort or unease (Butcher, J.N, & Mineka,S & Hooley, J,(2010). People who are around Jim feel uncomfortable because when other people give cues that it is time to end a conversation he continues to talk. Jim is known to express his opinions on any given situation in a brutally honest way. Most people express their opinions honestly but in a tactful manner. Jim is a technical writer and at his job he can give his honest opinions on the subject manner, but when it comes to people it is different. The six elements listed as in the book are known as suffering, maladaptiveness, deviancy, violation of, social discomfort, irrationality, and unpredictability. Of the six on the list only one is incorporated in the DSM-IV under mental disorders, which is irrationality and unpredictability that is known as schizophrenia or bipolar. Both of these mental disorders are in the DSM-IV book and each under a different category.

Schizophrenia is categorized under psychotic disorder whereas bipolar is under mood disorders. Jim would not be considered possessing a mental disorder according to the six elements, but does have a schizoid personality disorder, which is in the DSM-IV book of definitions. Jim's behavior personality is viewed by society as strange and abnormal but he sees no problem in his behavior. Most people who diagnosed with personality disorder do not notice that anything is wrong with their behavior or personality, until it is brought to his or her attention.

Schizoid personality disorder is described in the DSM-IV as a person who avoids close relationships, prefers solitude, avoids sex, lack close relationships, lacks pleasure, indifferent to praise or criticism, and emotional detachment (DSM-TR, 2000). The personality theory that best describes Jim's behavior is Bandura's theory known as social-cognitive. Bandura's social-cognitive theory states that personality is learned merely by observing others and their environment (Cervone & Pervin, 2010). People's personalities are a product of their environment and whereas when a child grows up his or her personality will change through different experiences. Jim may have had some