Introductory Psychology
Assignment 4

The following is a letter to Dear Abby and her response:

Dear Abby:
I have a friend who I think may be crazy. Peter (not his real name) is 16 years old and I have known him all my life. He is usually quiet and shy, but is very, very responsible and organized. He has always been this way, even in kindergarten when he used to quietly spend hours alone or with his grandpa building the most elaborate castles in the sandbox at school. He has always done well at school, although he rarely talks in class. Recently, he has started to act differently, though. It seems like it started last spring after his grandpa’s funeral. He is fighting with his parents more and more and frequently ignores or disobeys them.  In response, they have taken to punishing him more often.  He doesn’t hang out with his friends anymore the way he always used to do. He says he is too busy but I know that he isn’t, at least with school.  His grades are dropping fast and he doesn’t seem to care. He hasn’t handed in homework for a while now, and he is feeling bad about himself because of it. When he talked to his teachers about it, he said he just not able to do it and thinks he will never be able to do it. He told me that he just can’t concentrate anymore and that he is not sleeping or eating well. He feels the situation is hopeless and says that he is thinking of quitting school. I talked to my folks about it, but they say that he’s just going through a phase and he will snap back to his normal self soon.  But I fear there is something more serious going on and he needs lots of care!  Abby, please help!
Perplexed in Provo

Dear Perplexed
I don’t know the answer to your questions, but maybe you should talk to a counselor at your school to get some advice.

Abby and Perplexed in Provo are at a loss to predict and explain Peter’s puzzling behavior.  This should come as no surprise. For folk psychologists, confusion reigns when a person fails to act rationally and consistently.  It is clear that Abby needs help in addressing Perplexed’s concerns. On the basis of your listening to lectures about and reading of chapters on Behavior in Personality, Developmental, and Abnormal, psychology, discuss the issues brought up by Perplexed in Provo.  Your answer (3 pages) should deal the following questions:

1.  Is there any reason to think that there is a stable and permanent aspect to Peter’s personality that is his habitual way of behaving, thinking, and feeling?  Hint: Identify whether there are central traits in Peter that can account for his behavior.

2. Perplex in Provo’s parents believes that Peter is going through a phase.  What kind of phase might they be referring to? Provide evidence that supports your answer.  Hint: Closely examine the issues around adolescence.

3.  Is there anything else Peter’s parents could be doing in the home other than punishing his misbehavior? 

4.  Is there any reason to think that Perplexed is correct in thinking the situation is worse than merely being a phase out of which Peter will grow?  Hint: explore mood disorders.

5. What specific worries should Perplexed in Provo have about Peter?  Is there anything in particular Perplexed should be doing?  Hint:  Explore factors associated with depression and suicide.

6. Are there other forces or factors at work here to explain Peter’s behaviors that are not addressed in the above questions? Hint: Check out other issues in Chapters and lectures associated with each chapter.