Promoting Greater Understanding of Abnormal Behavior

Handout 4

The purpose of this activity is to promote support for individuals with specific psychological disorders, in particular schizophrenia.

Studies indicate that in cultures and communities that provide work opportunities for individuals with schizophrenia the rate of improvement in those individuals is statistically significant. The following exercise is intended to sensitize students to the need to improve work environments for treated schizophrenics (that is, persons who have been under a doctor’s care and are receiving medication and counseling which help to lessen symptoms).

Divide the class into small groups and assign each group the task of improving the work climate of a fast-food restaurant so that co-workers and customers will be more accepting of a newly discharged schizophrenic patient. Ask them to brainstorm what skills the former patient needs, what information the co-workers need, and how the work rules can be designed so that former patients can experience success. Have each group report the results of their brainstorming to the entire class. After you list the ideas, ask the students to discuss why business people may not be involved in the rehabilitation of mental patients. Suggest that greater exposure to the information such as they are receiving may increase tolerance and decrease fears of the general public, especially of powerful people like employers.

Resources Based on Leavey, Richard L., Instructors Manual, Fourth Edition of Sue, Sue and Sue, Understanding Abnormal Behavior, Houghton Mifflin, 1994