Fall, 1999
Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D.
 

Course Description

This course will focus on Axis II diagnoses, Personality Disorders. The Characterological Developmental Theory of Stephen Johnson will suggest an understanding of personality disorders that places them on a continuum with, and thus also proposes an understanding of, character neuroses and character styles. Significant attention will be given to early childhood development, its vicissitudes, and its supposed long-term effects on personality and interpersonal interrelationships. This approach will provide insight not only into serious personality debility but also into the everyday quirks of supposedly normal people. In the process, the course will raise questions about the meaning of “normalcy.” Students should expect to learn much about themselves as well as about prospective counseling clients.
 

Course Objectives

. to be familiar with the key terminology, personalities, theories, and methodologies in the field of abnormal psychology
. to achieve some understanding of personality disorders, their etiology, their treatment, and their relationship with character Styles
. to appreciate the diversity of inner experience among human individuals and cultures
. to gain insight into one’s own mental, emotional, and behavioral habits and states
. to be more able to respond appropriately to people in one’s personal and professional life
. to develop some level of critical judgment about psychological research, theory, and opinion on mental illness
 

Course Requirements

1. Study of assigned readings and reflection on the issues. The primary course text is Stephen M. Johnson (1994), Character Styles, New York/London; W. W. Norton & Co. The sequence of readings follows the Course Outline below. As the course progresses, the time allotted each topic may need to be adjusted. Emphases within the text will be noted in class discussions. Reading will be supplemented with video presentations, case studies, personal reflection, and other reading as follows:

Azuma, H. (1984). Secondary control as a heterogeneous category. American Psychologist, 39, 970-971.
Coan, R. W. (1977). Hero, artist sage, or saint. New York; Columbia University Press.
Kojima, H. (1984). A significant stride toward the comparative study of control. American Psychologist, 39, 972-973.
Sampson, E. B. (1988). Indigenous psychologies of the individual and their role in personal and societal functioning. American Psychologist, 43, 15-22.
Szasz, T. (1961). The myth of mental illness. New York; Harper & Row.
Weisz, J. R., Rothbaum, F. M., & Blackburn, T. C. (1984). Standing out and standing in; The psychology of control in America and Japan. American Psychologist, 39, 955-969.
Weisz, J. R., Rothbaum, F. M., & Blackburn, T. C. (1984). Swapping recipes for control.
American Psycholo gist, 39, 974-975.

2. Active participation in class through attendance and discussion.

3. A class presentation on one personality disorder/character type.

4. A final evaluation project. At the option of the student, either a term paper or a take-home exam will be required. The paper should be 12 to 15 pages, double spaced, and treat a topic of interest to the student. Inclusion of some case material, either personal or regarding an acquaintance, is encouraged. The take-home exam will cover topics studied in the course. Final projects will be due at noon, Monday, December 13.
 

Course Evaluation

Final grades will depend on class participation (20%), class presentation (30%), and the final project (50%). Grading; A = superior work; B = expected work; C = below average work; F = unacceptable work.
 

Course Outline

Introductions to the class and course
Overview of Personality Disorders and Characterological Styles
Introduction of Case Studies
Issues of Attachment and Bonding
Issues of Self-Development
Issues of the Self in the System
The Hated Child; The Schizoid Experience
The Abandoned Child; The Symbiotic Withdrawal
The Owned Child; The Symbiotic Character
The Used Child; The Narcissistic Experience
The Defeated Child; Social Masochism and the Patterns of Self-Defeat
The Exploited Child; Hysterical Defenses and the Histrionic Personality
The Disciplined Child; The Obsessive-Compulsive Personality
DSM IV Diagnoses
Cross-cultural Perspectives