One of the main challenges for clinicians and researchers is proving that a disorder exists. In this module, you will explore the concept of research and its influence on defining psychological disorders.
For your initial post, begin by reviewing the Research Changes and Practices Excerpts document for information about the history of homosexuality and PTSD in the DSM. In addition, review the four excerpts about homosexuality and PTSD. Then address the following:
How have changes in the DSM impacted clinical diagnosis for homosexuality and PTSD?
How has the field of mental health changed as a result of the current concepts of homosexuality and PTSD?
What is the impact on clinical practice because of these changes?
How does the concept of research trends in the DSM apply to any of the following programmatic themes? You may want to review the Programmatic Themes document.
Self-care
Social justice
Emotional intelligence
Career connections
Ethics
Self-care: When you hear the term self-care, you may think of things like bubble baths and dark
chocolate. But self-care is about more than just pampering yourself. Engaging in self-care means
taking time for personal reflection and developing skills to improve your well-being. You can also
take care of yourself by increasing your resilience and self-regulation.
Social justice: Everyone deserves the same rights and access to opportunities. When you apply
psychology ethically and empathetically, youre supporting social justice. As you work through
this program, youll see that psychology can do more than just improve your own lifeit can
help you enhance the lives of others and promote social justice for society as a whole.
Emotional intelligence (EI): Emotional intelligence is defined as the practice of self-control and
the ability to accurately perceive the emotions of self and others, appropriately adapt emotions
and actions in daily interactions, and consistently understand and express interest in the wellbeing of self and others. In short, its how you understand and respond to emotions in yourself
and the people around you. Emotional intelligence is not just an abstract concept. Its a set of
skills, including self-awareness, self-regulation, ethical judgment, empathy, social awareness,
and conflict resolution.
Career connections: Even if you dont become a psychologist, studying psychology can help
advance your career. Psychology helps explain why people behave in certain ways and how you
can work with them more effectively. Whether you major in psychology or use this course as a
stepping-stone to other opportunities, the study of psychology can improve your daily life and
job prospects.
Ethics: Modern psychology is guided by ethical principles. While formal ethics are set by
governing bodies such as the American Psychological Association, you also have your own set of
values and morals that influence your personal ethics. Throughout your coursework, you will
apply ethics by citing your sources.
