Cognitive Behavioral Theory in a Beautiful Mind - Research Paper Example

A Beautiful Mind Introduction – Identifying the data The movie I have chosen for my analysis is – ‘A Beautiful Mind’ (2001) written by Sylvia Nasar and directed by Ron Howard. It is based on the true story of John Forbes Nash Jr. a prominent mathematician, played by popular actor Russell Crowe. Nash studied at Princeton University and wanted to do something original and unique in the area of Math that would stand the test of time. After graduation he becomes a professor at MIT where he met and married Alicia, a graduate student. However, Nash gradually loses his grip on reality when he is unsuccessful in his endeavor and is soon diagnosed with schizophrenia. 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 significant contribution to Math and winning the Nobel Prize. Environmental Factors One of the central stressors contributing to his condition of schizophrenia was his inability to make significant advancement in his ‘game theory’ even though he was on the brink of becoming an international success. The peripheral stressors of his condition were his anxiety about the situation, in addition to his arrogance and conceit. He was so sure of becoming a success, but when this did not happen he broke down, as he could not accept this fact. The primary support in this case was his dutiful and caring wife who never gave up on him. His close family members and friends also provided him with their support. Treatment, Recommendation and Prognosis The client in this case needs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because it combines the principles of both cognition and behavior in a short term treatment approach. According to me, I feel that if the client is treated, he would once again bounce back to living a normal life. According to Albert Ellis (1913 – 2007) who is known as the “grandfather of Cognitive Therapy” one has to learn to deal with their adversities. He too had been a victim of different fears in his childhood and adolescence, but forced himself to face the facts and thereby get over the problem. Aaron T. Beck made a very valuable contribution to Cognitive Therapy by finding the cognitions of depressed people manifesting themselves due to errors in logic that he termed as “cognitive distortions.” According to Beck dysfunctional beliefs and assumptions are reflected due to negative thoughts. In the case of the client, he faced a very complex situation where he was unable to succeed in what he wanted even though he was a prodigy and this led to negative thoughts which manifested itself as acute depression. All his attempts had turned out unsuccessful and this led to a pattern of depressive behavior which had made him dysfunctional and a recluse for many years. In Beck’s opinion, if the client can modify his dysfunctional thinking, he would not only gain relief from many psychiatric conditions but would gradually lead a normal and active life. According to Beck, Cognitive Therapy can be applied to different kinds or disorders such as depression, anxiety, abuse of alcohol and drugs, psychotic disorders, panic disorders, personality and relationship disorders, suicide and eating disorders. In the case of our client he was faced with depression and psychotic disorders that led him to become schizophrenic. If treatment is given he would definitely benefit from it and in due course come back to reality and lead a normal life. This is what took place in the movie ‘A Beautiful Mind.’ The protagonist was hospitalized and the treatment given at the hospital, led to his recovery and once again he began his research and finally was successful in getting the Nobel Prize for his great contribution to Economics. But, on the other hand, if the patient did not get treated, he would have gone deeper and deeper into his problems and would have remained a recluse for the rest of his life. References Aaron T. Beck. Cognitive Therapy. Beck’s Institute of Cognitive Therapy. Pg. 274 Albert Ellis (1913 – 2007) Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) pg. 273 Theories of counseling and Psychotherapy www.ablongman.com/helpingprofessions/coun/theoriesppt.html Read More