Individual Differences and Abnormal Psychology Case Study Evaluation

This assignment presents two case studies focusing on individual differences and abnormal psychology. The first case study examines a 21-year-old university student named Marc who exhibits symptoms of social anxiety and potential depression, exploring potential diagnoses, aetiologies (including genetics, environmental stress, and drug misuse), and treatment options such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The second case study explores the reliability and validity of the Big 5 Personality Test, critically evaluating its strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations, and discusses variations of the test and their applicability in different settings. The assignment provides a comprehensive overview of mental health disorders and personality assessment, offering insights into diagnosis, causation, and therapeutic interventions.

Individual Differences
and Abnormal
Psychology

Contents
Case study 1.....................................................................................................................................4
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Overview of the case study.....................................................................................................4
Potential diagnosis..................................................................................................................5
Aetiologies..............................................................................................................................6
Possible treatment options......................................................................................................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9
Case Study 2....................................................................................................................................9
Introduction......................................................................................................................................9
Overview of the case study...................................................................................................10
Discuss the reliability and validity of the Big 5 Personality test..........................................10
Critically evaluate strengths, limitations, ethical considerations.........................................11
Big 5 personality test............................................................................................................13
Variations of the big 5 test and their applicability to various settings.................................14
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................15

Case study 1
Introduction
Individual differences or differential psychology can be considered as psychological
characteristics which specifically define or distinguish an individual from one another uh where
it helps in defining the overall individuality of a person. On the other hand, abnormal psychology
can be defined as a division with in psychological aspects where psychologists specifically
studies individuals that are abnormal or atypical compared to the other individuals living with
them in the society (Hajcak, Meyer and Kotov, 2017). Present essay is going to deliver the
information in relation with different potential diagnosis, aetiologies and particular treatment
options that are available for an individual who is going through a mental disorder like
depression, anxiety and so on. In present context, the case study that has been taken into
consideration is of Marc who is a young male who is 21 years old.
Overview of the case study
Young male names as Marc, a student who basically studies in a University and is of 21
year old has started facing mental health related difficulties where his roommates has given the
information about the overall mental health of Marc including the behaviour that he has been
behaving from last a couple of days. The information that has been given by colleagues of Marc
including the roommates that he has started behaving abnormally where the specific information
that was given by them was that he has specifically withdrawn himself from doing any sort of
social interaction with other individuals. Also, he believes that his friends including his
roommates will be stealing the different ideas that he has for doing the final year project and has
become extremely anxious (Klawohn and et. al., 2020). Away with this, some of the other
information that was also given by them was related to his behaviour like he started losing
concentration while studying for doing any sort of task. Also, he also so feel difficulty in
speaking coherent sentence and the overall mental health condition has drastically decreased in
last 24 hours where some of the actions which were performed by him were like being upset all
day long, rambling at times, banging the head of his own on the wall and so on.

Potential diagnosis
In present context, the case study has given the information that a student who is studying
in a University named as Marc has been facing difficulties like being anxious and worrying
about if they (colleagues or roommates) will steal some information about his ideas belonging to
the final project that he will be submitting. Here, it can be said that a psychiatrist or psychologist
may effectively examineor ask different range of questions about particular medical history. it is
may be possible that there are a range of test that psychiatrist may run in order to rule out other
health conditions that specifically have caused the symptoms of the particular mental disorder.
However, if it is critically analysed then where has not being any sort of lab related test which
may effectively diagnose and writing disorders (Marsh, Vachon and Sörqvist 2017).
In case of Marc, the information that has been given by his colleagues clearly showed the
common symptoms of a person dealing with mental disorder where it can be anything like
anxiety or depression. The particular symptom that came in front was that Marc has started
reducing the social interaction with his friends and also so face difficulties while speaking
coherent sentences. In medical terms, these symptoms that Marc has clearly show that he is
dealing with social anxiety disorder which is also called as social phobia. Social anxiety disorder
can be defined as a disorder where a person may feel overwhelmed meaning worry our self
consciousness about social situations where he or she may start obsessively worrying about other
individuals like if they will judge the person and so on. Self consciousness is something where
Marc, social distanced himself from his colleagues and friends and feeling like the others will
steal the information like his ideas about the final year project and so on.
On the other hand, specific phobias is also considered to be the mental disorder that Marc
may have where he was already feeling intense about the specific fear of losing the information
as if his friends will hack the computer and steal all the information from him (Ali and et. al.,
2019). It has been analysed that this type of fear may lead an individual to go beyond what is
appropriate. This may take an individual to avoid ordinary situations that would lead the
individual towards separation anxiety. If it is critically analysed then it can be said that both the
mental issues were leading towards one and only disorder and that is depression. In this case, it
will be the responsibility of psychiatrist or psychologist to take test of Marc and pull out
information through asking different sorts of questions in order to analyse the percentage of
depression in which he actually is. This would result into focusing on the particular medication

and the process that is required to be followed by the psychiatrist or psychologist in order to
improve the mental health of Marc.
Aetiologies
In medical terms, Aetiology can be defined as the cause of a particular disorder that took
place in human body. In simple words, aetiology can be named as causes in relation with the
particular disorder. Considering the case study of Marc it has been analysed that anxiety or
depression can be caused by different reasons. In present context, genetics, brain chemistry,
environmental stress, drug withdrawal or misuse, medical conditions and so on are said to be
some of the good examples of different reasons behind why a person may get anxiety disorder
(ul Haq and et. al., 2018). As Marc has been studying in a University, causes can be anything
like genetics where anxiety disorder run in families and the same can be caught by him as well.
Including this, brain chemistry is also said to be another type of cores that may result in to
anxiety disorder. Basically, faulty circuits within brain may effectively lead an individual
towards fear and emotions that may cause both anxiety and depression related situation for the
person. But, if it is critically analysed then it can be said that Marc voice not going through any
sort of genetic or brain chemistry related problems.
On the other hand, environmental stress is something where stressful events that take place
at the time when an individual lives the life which can be linked with childhood neglect or abuse,
death of a loved one, being attacked or seeing violence and so on. In context with Marc, he was
specifically studying in a University where it is may be possible that he might got attacked by
seniors or colleagues or maybe reason can be anything like overload stress due to the course, not
getting passing marks, and so on. Drug withdrawal on misuse is also said to be a cause of a
person getting anxiety disorder where certain drugs that might use by the individual to decrease
the anxiety related symptoms. Another type of cores that can be seen in today's environment it is
particularly linking with medical conditions where the person might have different conditions
like thyroid, heart problems, lung related issues and many more. Here, it can be said that these
can cause symptoms to similar go in the same way as anxiety disorder or even they may lead an
individual to make anxiety symptoms worse (Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Anxiety
Disorders, 2020).
It is the responsibility of guardian or parents or any other individual who have a little bit
knowledge of symptoms that an individual is going through anxiety disorder where, the person

may deliver the same information to the psychiatrist or psychologist where full physical
examination can be done to pull out favourable information about overall medical conditions.
In context with Marc, based on the case it is not that much clear that what exactly the cause
has been towards Marc started going through different range of difficulties like when he
withdraw from social interaction with friends and started feeling suspicious about motives of his
friends can be towards the final project and so on. However, it can be said that environmental
stress is something that may lead the individual to go through anxiety or depression disorder. It is
may be possible that stress related with course that he was specifically doing impacted negatively
on his mind set, that resulted into social distancing from others coma feeling suspicious about his
work, not meeting with his friends and so on.
Possible treatment options
There are ample numbers of possible treatment options that are available to reduce the
impact of depression or anxiety disorder in an individual who is dealing with it. One of the best
suitable approaches that can be considered by the psychiatrist or psychologist is utilisation of
psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)). It is considered to be a type of
counselling that may help Marc in learning about different emotions that may result in to
improper behaviour towards others (Wahed and Hassan, 2017). The way Marc used to stab his
head on wall and feeling of suspiciousness about his own friends if they will steal his ideas about
the final year project, this type of approach main help in training the mind set through going
from different thoughts and feelings and suggestions to manage anxiety disorder in much
effective and efficient manner.If it is critically analysed then utilising cognitive behavioural
therapy in case of Marc make carry ample number of advantages and some of these advantages
are: it is as effective as medication while treating different types of depressions. On the other
hand, another benefit that came in front of utilising CBT is that it can be completely finished
within short period of span as compared to any other approach like talking therapies and so on
(Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), 2020).
Including this, and other benefits that came in front was that CBT can be highly structured
in nature where it may provide different types of formats including self help books, include
different range of groups, computer programs and so on.Also, the different range of skills that
are learnt by considering cognitive behavioural therapy can be useful for a patient like Marc.
Basically, it may lead Marc towards developing helpful strategies which can be incorporated by

him into his daily life so that the same sort of situation do not takes place in near future and
reduce the future stresses and difficulties in much effective and efficient manner.
There are some of the disadvantages as well of utilising cognitive behavioural therapy,
where the primal negative aspect that came in front was that Marc or any other individual who is
going through anxiety or any sort of disorder to take full consideration and commit himself or
herself towards the process because then only the overall therapy will work as a psychiatrist or
therapist can only advise or help the person and rest is the responsibility of the patient who is
dealing with the problem. It is mandatory to take full responsibility and co-operate with all the
process related situations that effectively lead individual to pull out favourable outcomes like
reducing stress and so on. Including this another negative aspect that came in front of utilising
cognitive behaviouraltherapy is that just because of structured nature of this particular therapy it
is may be possible that Marc may not be suitable if any serious mental health needs for learning
difficulties are already made existence in the mind-set of Marc (Jenaro, Flores and Frías, 2017).
There are some critics has also been done by many of the investigators where they have
stated that cognitive behavioural therapy can only be suitable for the individual who has current
problems and focus on the particular issues and it do not analyse the whole situation like causes
of Mental health conditions. In context with Marc, it is may be possible that this type of therapy
may not pull out favourable outcomes because individual was already in the grievance which
resulted into negative behaviour towards others.
Medication is considered to be the best and suitable approach that is mostly preferred by
psychiatrists and psychologist when it comes to reduce the stress and deliver positive outcomes
towards mental health conditions of the individual. in context with Marc, it can be said that the
best suitable approach was this only that antidepressant drugs can be prescribed to him as he was
already dealing with anxiety disorder and was not at all happy with the situation like fear of
losing information and considering every single other person who is visiting his room as
suspicious (Anxiety, 2019).
If it is critically analysed then there are ample number of drugs that are available in the
Market that are specifically being prescribed by psychiatrist and these are: bupropion,
benzodiazepines, beta blockers, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, buspirone and so on. These
medications may originally have both pros and cons. If the advantages are discussed in relation
with medication to reduce the stress and to improve the mental health conditions, then these

medicines that has already been discussed delivers promising results. In present context, Marc
who was at the initial stage effectively takes these medicines because this would help him in
coming out of stress in much effective and efficient manner. However, these medications may
also lead and individual to get addicted to them. There are many cases that came in front where it
became really very hard for the patience to do not use these medications because it helped them
in reducing the stress and focusing on other elements (Badri, Crutzen and van den Borne, 2017).
In the same way, it is may be possible that Marc may also get addicted to these medications
which may not impact positively on health conditions in near future where excessive dose of
these drugs may also lead him to negative effects on both mental and physical conditions and
even death as well.
Conclusion
With the help of above mentioned to report, it can easily be said that there are ample
number of anxiety disorder treatments are available in current medical science. The best suitable
treatment option that can be chosen from the different number of treatments is the medication
where antidepressants tablets (SSRIs and SNRIs) main effectively help Marc in reducing the
anxiety level. Another beneficial approach that can be taken into consideration is utilisation of
cognitive behavioural therapy where this type of psychotherapy may lead psychiatrist to analyse
how to turn negative or panic related causing situations and behaviour towards positive ones.
Case Study 2
Introduction
Professionalism can be defined as conduct, behaviour and attitude of an individual in order work
in business environment. It can leads to workplace success, strong professional reputation as well
as a high level of work ethics and excellence. Basically, a professional needs several important
features such as neat appearance, proper demeanour, reliable, competent, communicator, good
phone etiquette, poised, ethical, organised and accountable (Stajkovic and et. al., 2018). It is
observed that some of main characteristics must be acquired by a professional including
commitment & confidence, responsibility & dependability, honesty & ethics and appearance &
professional presence which are known as central professional features respectively. This section
is based on the case scenario based on specific individual named Jessica who is a hard working
person and prides herself on her professionalism. In context of this part of project, it will focus

on the reliability and validity of Big 5 personality test and evaluation of strengths, limitations as
well as ethical considerations. It will also include the explanation related to Big 5 personality test
and variations of the same along with their applicability.
Overview of the case study
In context of this case study, it has been analysed that Jessica is known to be a hard working
person who always remain in pride for herself in regards to her professionalism. She has worked
alone in her previous role having duty in a market research department which she has one well.
However, it is observed that she want to look forward and take next step in her career as well as
move into a more externally focussed role as a brand ambassador for a particular organisation for
which she is working. It includes the difficult role and responsibility to involve talking to
potential customers along with promoting the products or services of the company. Moreover, it
has been evaluated that Jessica has just completed the short version of the Big 5 personality test
which is responsible to indicate that she scores high on introversion, high on conscientiousness,
high on openness to experience and high on agreeableness. Additionally, the next is known be as
daunting in which Jessica has been identified to be succeed.
Discuss the reliability and validity of the Big 5 Personality test
Bog 5 personality tests can be described as a framework considering several important factors in
order to evaluate the personality of an individual. It is favourable to make decision that a person
has all the quality and features or not which are required for specific professional position in
order to fulfil respective roles. Basically, it includes number of components such as openness,
conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. These factors can be considered
as more effective as well as efficient in terms of carrying out personality test to ensure that an
individual has suitable personality to assign specific position to them in an organisation. In
context of given case of Jessica, it has been analysed that Big 5 personality test is appropriate
method to be used for evaluating the personality match of her in respect of allocating the
designation of brand ambassador of that company for which she has working. It is observed that
her personality is hard working and she has criterion of making her performance up to the mark
which facilitate to gaining growth as well as development in career (Borghuis and et. al., 2017).
Meanwhile, it includes the working ability and way of performing tasks by her that may her
different as well as effective employee of the company. However, it is necessary to utilise the
Big 5 personality test which is favourable to understand the personality level of an individual

which impact positively on decision making of assigning important designations at work place. It
is also beneficial to make sure that decision making is appropriate which facilitate to gaining
better outcomes of business.
On other hand, it has been identified that Big 5 personality test is valid to make sure about
personality of an individual to match the same with requirements of specific position. It is
observed that given personality test plays an important role for understanding personality of an
individual to make accurate decisions to promote or hire employees as per requirements of
specific designation. Meanwhile, it is observed that personality is valid to be used in order to
evaluate the personality traits of Jessica which is favourable to make sure the accuracy of
decision to make her brand ambassador of the company for whom she is working. It is valid for
high authorities to understand the capabilities of Jessica in order to fulfil her all the
responsibilities in future. She was a hardworking employee with an effective reputation in
organisation due to her excellent quality of work. It is observed that given personality test can be
considered as much reliable in order to evaluate the personality traits of an individual and match
them with desired traits to assign particular important designation to an appropriate person
(Halim and et. al., 2017). However, it has been identified that Jessica is known to be an
appropriate candidate on the basis of her effective image of professionalism, work experience of
research department and excellent delivery of work which is sufficient to make her brand
ambassador for promoting the products of the company. She is very much capable to fulfil the
roles as well as responsibilities of a brand ambassador of specific brand which impact positively
to improve the profitability of an individual. Moreover, it has been evaluated that the method of
personality test selected for Jessica is much valid and reliable to be used to ensure the
appropriate personality of traits to assign important positions in an organisation.
Critically evaluate strengths, limitations, ethical considerations
In order to become efficient brand ambassador, it has been analysed a person is required to have
effective skills and abilities to use the same as strengths which are favourable to fulfil the
responsibilities in appropriate manner. It is required for Jessica to work on several factors to
become excellent brand ambassador to fulfil the relevant roles and duties effectively. Meanwhile,
it includes number if aspects to which a person should be focussed before handling the
designation of a brand ambassador as it is a higher designation of an organisation (Ercan, 2017).
Initially, it consist the to become more knowledgeable and innovative in marketing in order to

manage the potential customers as well as promoting the products which helps to increase the
sales respectively. Secondly, it involves the consider the ability to become a professional speaker
to always focus on important aspects to be communicated and speak to the point so that audience
can understand the fact easily. Thirdly, it consists to acquire effective leadership quality in order
to embody the values, the feature as well as overall image inherent to the brand. It is required for
a brand ambassador in respect of stirring up thoughts linked with owning the products. This leads
the customer not only to buying the goods but also to their self-fulfilment associated with
possessing it. However, it includes the strength of credibility to carefully manage customers but
it necessary to not get someone with bad records, malicious life style and despicable personality.
It is required to deal with appropriate person by evaluating their necessary details to secure
company from any kind of fraud. Moreover, the strength includes relationship builder which is
required to formulate effective relation with potential customers which impact positively to make
sure long term profitability of an organisation.
In addition to this, it has been identified that there are number of limitations for Jessica which are
required to improve to become efficient brand ambassador for an organisation. It includes the
limitation of aggressive behaviour which is not appropriate handle the different types of
customers and it may impact negatively on brand image in market. It is very important for a
brand ambassador to control their aggressive behaviour because they have to deal with different
kinds of consumers and they have to manage them with proper communication that is favourable
to remain associated with company (Stankov, 2018). However, it will provide support to increase
the profitability of an organisation. Meanwhile, it consist the limitation of developing normal
marketing strategies because it is required to offer something new as well as innovative
customers for improving the customer count of the company which is beneficial to gain better
profits. It is necessary for a brand ambassador to attract potential customers via their innovative
ideas and strategies to enhance the profit share of organisation in market. Moreover, it involves
the limitation of mismanagement which is required to be focussed by Jessica because she
requires to give required time to every customers properly that is necessary for maintaining
reputation of brand in market.
On the other hand, it has been evaluated that ethical principles can be defined values and factors
that are favourable to facilitate right practices. It is also beneficial to differentiate between right
and wrong aspects and helps to avoid the wrong attempts while fulfilling the responsibilities of a