In 2–3 pages:
Explain the controversy that surrounds your selected disorder.
Explain your professional beliefs about this disorder, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a patient that may present with this disorder.
Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to this disorder that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Exploring the Controversies Surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder
Introduction
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition that has been subject to significant controversy in both the scientific and public spheres. This essay aims to delve into the controversies surrounding BPD, provide professional insights supported by scholarly references, discuss strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with patients with BPD, and address the ethical and legal considerations pertinent to its management.
Controversies Surrounding BPD
One of the primary controversies surrounding BPD is the debate about its origins. While some believe that genetic factors play a significant role in its development, others argue that environmental factors, such as early childhood trauma or neglect, are more influential. This controversy has implications for treatment approaches and the stigma associated with the disorder.
Another contentious issue is the diagnosis of BPD itself. Critics argue that the diagnostic criteria are too broad and subjective, leading to overdiagnosis and potentially pathologizing normal emotional responses. This controversy highlights the need for more precise and reliable diagnostic tools to avoid mislabeling individuals.
Professional Beliefs and Rationale
As a mental health professional, my belief is that individuals with BPD deserve compassionate and evidence-based care. Research supports the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in treating BPD symptoms (Linehan, 1993). Additionally, psychodynamic psychotherapy has shown promise in addressing underlying issues contributing to BPD (Clarkin et al., 2007). A holistic approach that integrates pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and social support is crucial in managing BPD.
Furthermore, the concept of recovery-oriented care is essential in my professional beliefs. Viewing individuals with BPD as capable of growth and change, rather than as chronically ill, can empower them to engage in treatment and lead fulfilling lives (Davidson et al., 2010).
Strategies for Maintaining the Therapeutic Relationship
Establishing a therapeutic relationship with patients with BPD can be challenging due to their intense emotions and fear of abandonment. Key strategies include maintaining clear boundaries, validating their experiences, and practicing empathy and active listening. Collaboratively setting treatment goals and involving patients in decision-making can foster a sense of agency and trust in the therapeutic process (Bateman & Fonagy, 1999).
Regular supervision and self-care are also crucial for healthcare providers working with individuals with BPD to prevent burnout and maintain therapeutic effectiveness.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Ethical considerations in treating BPD include upholding patient autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence. Informed consent is vital, especially regarding the potential risks and benefits of treatment modalities. Confidentiality must be maintained unless there are concerns about harm to self or others.
Legal considerations may involve mandated reporting in cases of imminent harm, suicide risk, or abuse. Understanding state laws regarding involuntary commitment and duty to warn is essential in managing complex situations involving patients with BPD.
In conclusion, navigating the controversies surrounding BPD requires a nuanced understanding of its complexities. By embracing evidence-based practices, maintaining therapeutic relationships, and upholding ethical and legal standards, healthcare providers can offer effective care to individuals with BPD while promoting their well-being and recovery.
