Running head: DISEASE MODEL vs POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 1

Disease Model Versus Positive Psychology

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DISEASE MODEL vs POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2

Answer 1

Traditional psychology is affiliated with various elements. With particular reference to

Williams condition traditional psychology would focus more on the behaviors he is exhibiting.

The traumatic experiences in Williams 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 affiliated with depression. Such

behaviors include, seldom contact 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. Williams 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 3

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 well-

being, 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 Williams 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 clinicians 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 self-

esteem 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.
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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 Seligmanwhat 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