Case character Conceptualization - Research Paper Example

Nash being a genius mathematician becomes devastated and withdraws himself from society. In this essay an attempt would be made to analyze the case and find a probable solution by making use of the ‘Cognitive Behavioral Theory.’ Presenting the Problem Nash had a mental health problem, schizophrenia, which had surfaced during middle age and stood as a stumbling block between his work and family. The gravity of the problem increased so much that Nash had to leave his job as a professor and eventually became institutionalized.

His wife and his roommate Charles stood by Nash, as the depths of his make- believe or imaginary world surfaces. The precipitating set of circumstances could have stemmed from the fact that he was frustrated about not being able to come out with something unique in the mathematical arena, being a Math prodigy himself. His actions of arrogance and anxiety showed the extent of his stress and suffering. This problem had never occurred before but manifested itself when he could not accept his failure.

He suffered a harrowing experience for many years to come to terms with himself and finally during the 1970’s he makes his foray into the world of academics by returning once again to teaching and research. Relevant History Nash being a Mathematical genius had always aspired to create something original and unique that would be useful to society and the world at large. However, when his attempts failed to materialize, he withdrew himself from social circles and became a recluse in his own world.

His obsession about making a significant contribution towards the subject of Math and the failure to achieve it had probably triggered his schizophrenia and led to his institutionalization. As a patient he exhibited his anger and frustration through his actions because he was trapped in a helpless situation. However, his wife Alicia did not give up on him and stood by him all through his suffering years because she had great faith and trust in his capacity as an outstanding Mathematician. Interpersonal style When Nash realized that he had failed in his attempt to make the unique contribution towards the subject he loved so much, it affected him so badly that he withdrew himself from social circles and led the life of a recluse, till he could function no longer and had to be institutionalized.

It was the faith and love of his wife Alicia together with medical help that gradually brought him around from the depths of his misery, to once again surface back to normal life and finally win the much coveted Nobel Prize for his great contribution towards Economics in 1994. Alicia is steadfast in her duty as a loyal wife and brings about her husband’s redemption by helping him triumph over his misery and make a success of himself by winning the Nobel Prize. In this case there were polarities related to pursuit, withdrawal and submission.

These polarities can be explained thus – Nash tried hard to pursue his dream of doing something original and unique in the field of Math, being a Math genius himself. When he found that he could not succeed he became frustrated and withdrew from society. Finally, with great support from his wife and close family and friends, he admits submission and was soon on the road to recovery which eventually helped him to fulfill his long lost dream of making a signific