Abnormal Psychology Assignment: News Article and Text Comparison

This assignment delves into the realm of abnormal psychology by analyzing a newspaper article concerning a case of antisocial personality disorder involving Leslie Black and the attack on Marlene Bird. The study focuses on how the article confirms and contradicts the concepts presented in the 'Personality Disorders' chapter of the 'Abnormal Psychology, An Integrative Approach' textbook. The assignment highlights the brutal nature of the crime, the defendant's history, and the challenges in determining the defendant's mental state and the long legal process. The student critically discusses the article's strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing the importance of mental health care and the public's awareness of such disorders. The conclusion reflects on the implications of the case, the role of media, and the complexities of the legal and psychological aspects involved. The assignment utilizes references to support the analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Running head: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE NEWS ASSIGNMENT
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE NEWS ASSIGNMENT
Student Name
Student ID Number

1ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE NEWS ASSIGNMENT
The following assignment is a brief study of psychological disorders in Canadians. It
will focus on a newspaper article relating personality disorder and its connection to the
chapter named Personality Disorders in the fifth edition of “Abnormal Psychology, An
Integrative Approach”. A critical discussion is here regarding how the article confirms or
contradicts the identified section of the text and how this makes people understand some
aspects of mental disorders. The further issues and the weakness of the article are also
mentioned in the study. The assignment will conclude by reflective thoughts demonstrating
thoughtfulness and insightfulness.
The case of Leslie Black in attacking a woman named Marlene Bird, and setting her
in fire is a rare example of mental disorder (Thestar.com, 2017). The incident happened in an
alley of Prince Albert, Sask in June, 2014.Black was arrested for his involvement in the
beating, burning and sexual assault of Marlene Bird. Bird lost her two legs and much of her
eyesight due to the accident. Leslie black was arrested and sent for psychiatric treatment. It is
told that he is suffering from anti-social personality disorder and he needs a long-term
therapy.
The condition of Black has its root in the chapter 12 of the book, “Abnormal
Psychology, An Integrative Approach”. In the section named Antisocial Personality Disorder
(pp 443), it is mentioned that the people suffering from such disorder are puzzling ones. They
lack conscience and empathy in them and do what they want by disregarding social norms.
They do not feel regret as they present themselves in an aggressive manner. They can lie and
cheat as well. People from antisocial personality disorder background may indulge in crime
often that is harmful. This disorder starts developing in childhood and is clearly visible in
adulthood (Tyrer, Reed & Crawford, 2015).

2ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE NEWS ASSIGNMENT
It is reported by the psychiatrists after investigating Leslie Black that he has done the
crime out of personality disorder. He was a witness to his mother’s murder that happened on
his ninth birthday. It creates a sense of post-traumatic disorder that is deep rooted in his mind
since childhood. His behaviors towards Bird is brutal (Nationalpost.com, 2017). He claimed
that he did not set Bird on fire though Bird and her lawyer are against this statement.
Sometimes it comes to the media that Black had made an apology that may prove his guilty.
The article reflects on many aspects of mental disorders. People became aware of such
diseases. They are feared after knowing the brutality. Implication of mental health care is
needed in this respect. 40.5% patients have received the treatment over the world (Corrigan,
Druss & Perlick, 2014). There is argument regarding the mental state of Black. Court needs
time to decide whether Black is a dangerous offender or not. In order to avoid further issues,
Police needs to investigate the background of both of them to come to the right conclusion. In
a state of antisocial personality disorder, the patient has no sense of regret, as stated above.
There is a mention of apology by Black that arises questions regarding the authentic value of
the article (Globalnews.ca, 2017).
It can be said in the conclusion that one can learn some crucial things from the article.
The most surprising part is that the court has taken long time to come to a conclusion.
Antisocial personality disorder is a term that may not be known to all. The case gives light on
this aspect and people become aware of such incidents. This case study is a perfect example
of how media works in the society and how it affects the health issues of a country.

3ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE NEWS ASSIGNMENT
References
Corrigan, P. W., Druss, B. G., & Perlick, D. A. (2014). The impact of mental illness stigma
on seeking and participating in mental health care. Psychological Science in the
Public Interest, 15(2), 37-70.
Globalnews.ca. (2017). Judge reserves dangerous offender decision on Leslie Black in
Marlene Bird case. Global News. Retrieved 18 September 2017, from
http://globalnews.ca/news/3569864/dangerous-offender-decision-leslie-black-
marlene-bird/
Nationalpost.com. (2017). Judge reserves dangerous offender decision on Leslie Black in
Marlene Bird case. National Post. Retrieved 18 September 2017, from
http://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/judge-reserves-dangerous-
offender-decision-on-leslie-black-in-marlene-bird-case
Thestar.com. (2017). Saskatchewan man who attacked woman, set her on fire won’t be
declared a dangerous offender, judge rules | Toronto Star. thestar.com. Retrieved 18
September 2017, from
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/08/30/saskatchewan-man-who-attacked-
woman-set-her-on-fire-wont-be-declared-a-dangerous-offender-judge-rules.html
Tyrer, P., Reed, G. M., & Crawford, M. J. (2015). Classification, assessment, prevalence, and
effect of personality disorder. The Lancet, 385(9969), 717-726.