This paper uses the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition" (DSM-5) to analyze a movie character, Martin Burney from the 1991film "Sleeping With the Enemy".
Martin Burney’s behavior and personality are scrutinized using diagnostic criteria written by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). In the paper, Martin Burney is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). This paper is an effort to apply skills and terminology learned in "Psychology 315-Abnormal Psychology" at California State University Bakersfield-Antelope Valley campus during the spring quarter of 2016.
Table of Contents
Introduction
DSM Criterion
Examples of OCPD
Categorical Information
Borderline Personality Disorder Traits
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Traits
Schizophrenia Trait
Dimensional Information
Medical Problem(s)
Psychosocial Problems
Examples of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Examples of Borderline Personality Disorder
Research Objectives and Thematic Focus
The primary objective of this work is to provide a clinical psychological analysis of the character Martin Burney from the film "Sleeping with the Enemy," evaluating his behaviors against the diagnostic criteria defined in the DSM-5. The research seeks to identify how his actions align with symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder.
- Application of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to fictional character behavior.
- Evaluation of pathological control, rigidity, and obsession with order (OCPD).
- Analysis of narcissistic traits, including entitlement and need for excessive admiration.
- Investigation of borderline personality indicators such as fear of abandonment and mood instability.
Excerpt from the Book
Examples of OCPD
1. “Is preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost” (APA, 2013).
Specific examples- Martin seductively embraces Laura; she thinks he wants more sex. He then orders her to “come with me” and leads her (by the hand, trailing behind him) to the bathroom where he forces her to determine what (in his opinion) is wrong. Laura quickly glances around and spots that the bathroom towels are not aligned perfectly, she quickly fixes them.
Laura frantically line-up groceries in kitchen cupboard, it is obvious to viewer that she fears Martin’s retribution should he find them not to his satisfaction.
As Martin and Laura have intercourse, we see his shoes lined-up perfectly near bed, socks rolled perfectly and centered between shoes, Martin’s clothes are folded perfectly and draped, perfectly centered over the back of chair near bed, Martin’s belt is hung (exactly in the middle) over his slacks .
After he climaxes, Martin immediately heads for the shower.
Laura asks Martin if his dinner has ever been late, even once. (Martin obviously has insisted his dinner be made exactly on time every night they eat at home).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides a brief overview of the character Martin Burney and establishes the film "Sleeping with the Enemy" as the primary source for behavioral analysis.
DSM Criterion: Explains the diagnostic framework of the DSM-5 regarding OCPD and notes that the character meets the threshold for a formal diagnosis.
Examples of OCPD: Details specific scenes demonstrating the character's obsession with rules, organization, and work productivity.
Categorical Information: Summarizes the behavioral patterns that satisfy a primary diagnosis of OCPD, while noting the need to address secondary personality disorders.
Borderline Personality Disorder Traits: Analyzes the character's intense fear of abandonment, violent anger, and extremes of idealization and devaluation.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Traits: Examines the character's grandiose self-importance, sense of entitlement, and requirement for excessive admiration.
Schizophrenia Trait: Outlines the requirement to consider additional symptoms beyond the primary diagnosis.
Dimensional Information: Instructs on the necessity of assigning quantitative data to the severity of the observed behaviors.
Medical Problem(s): Notes the requirement to report any observed physical health concerns.
Psychosocial Problems: Discusses the environmental stressors depicted in the film and their impact on the character's mental state.
Examples of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Presents specific movie timestamps and actions that correlate with narcissistic criteria.
Examples of Borderline Personality Disorder: Provides evidence from the film illustrating borderline personality traits, specifically concerning abandonment issues and mood swings.
Keywords
DSM-5, OCPD, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Clinical Diagnosis, Psychology, Behavioral Analysis, Martin Burney, Sleeping with the Enemy, Abandonment, Rigidity, Entitlement, Psychopathology, Interpersonal Relationships, Diagnostic Criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this clinical analysis?
The work focuses on diagnosing the psychological traits of the film character Martin Burney based on observed behaviors in "Sleeping with the Enemy" using DSM-5 standards.
Which personality disorders are primarily analyzed?
The study primarily investigates Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder.
What is the main objective of the paper?
The objective is to map specific film actions to established clinical criteria to demonstrate that the character satisfies the threshold for these personality disorders.
What methodology is employed in the work?
The author uses a case-study approach, observing film content to provide anecdotal evidence for specific DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body systematically breaks down each disorder, providing definitions, specific behavioral examples from the film, and contextual evidence.
Which keywords best describe the subject matter?
Keywords include DSM-5, personality disorders, clinical psychology, behavioral analysis, and psychopathology.
How does the author distinguish between OCPD traits and other behaviors?
The author separates rigid behaviors (like organizing towels) from emotional responses (like paranoid anger), attributing the former to OCPD and the latter to secondary disorders.
Why are environmental stressors important in this analysis?
Environmental stressors provide context for the character's erratic behaviors and help explain the development of symptoms linked to his personality disorders.
Does the character receive a single diagnosis?
No, while OCPD is identified as a primary diagnosis, the author argues that secondary disorders like Narcissism and Borderline Personality Disorder are necessary to account for the character's violence and rage.
- Quote paper
- William Bell (Author), 2016, "Sleeping with the Enemy" (1991). Martin Burney as an example of Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/334153
