Psychological problems affect both children and adults and make it difficult for them to have social interactions. There are different mental disorders and each one manifests itself in different ways. Asperger syndrome is one of the mental disorders that affect both children and adults. The DSM diagnostic criteria for Asperger is (1) having a deficit or showing difficulties in the social usage of verbal and non-verbal communication, (2) exhibiting difficulties in social participation, (3) highly fixated interests, and (4) showing hyper- or hyporeactivity towards certain situations (“DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria”). Parenthood is a TV show that has one of its main characters living with Asperger. It depicts the psychological condition comprehensively, how it affects the person’s life, and those around him. The show tells the story of a couple that has to take care of their son, who lives with Asperger, and constantly helps him to know that despite being different, he should not worry what other children tell him. It is a story of a child’s (Max) struggle to live with a condition that makes him be seen and perceived differently from other people. The show reveals significant psychological concepts like implicit bias, discrimination, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and stereotyping. Parenthood is a clear example of how psychological concepts are present in the media and the magnitude of their effects.
A critical analysis of this show depicts that it accurately reflects the disorder. First and foremost, the show portrays Max as having difficulties with his social environment. His relationship with his parents, therapist and his peers is a clear depiction of the disorder’s manifestation. It is apparent that people with Asperger have difficulties when relating with other people in their social environment. Another way that the show portrays the disorder correctly is through Max’s mother Sarah Braverman. She finds it difficult to deal with him, as it is the case with many people taking care of their loved ones living with the disorder (Wall). Even when the therapist tells Max’s mother that it is possible for him to adjust his behavior, she sees that as a very difficult thing. The mother appears to have an implicit bias when dealing with her child. Implicit bias refers to the attitudes that influence the comprehension, actions, and decisions in an unconscious way (Brownstein and Saul 24). Since she knows that Max suffers from Asperger, she unconsciously thinks that it is difficult for his condition to become better, even though the therapist is there to assure her that Max’s condition can be taken care of. The implicit bias makes her to form unconscious attitudes in her mind about Max’s condition. The audience is also affected by the concept of implicit bias. Through it, the audience unconsciously sees Max as being deficient and unable to undertake normal processes like the other children.
Moreover, through Sarah’s reactions, the concept of negative reinforcement surfaces; instead of allowing Max to shout and become angry, she allows him to get away with what he wants. Negative reinforcement refers to the strengthening of a behavior by stopping or avoiding a negative response (Mendlow 89). In reference to the audience, negative reinforcement would force the society to avoid confrontation with people suffering from Asperger by allowing them to do what they desire.
In the same vein, the presence of the therapist in the show depicts the disorder correctly since it shows that it can be managed through professional help. The therapist seeks to help Max manage the condition by forming habits which are favorable. As a way of helping Max cope with the disorder, the therapist introduces the concept of positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement refers to the reinforcing of behavior by rewarding an individual when he does what is expected of him or her (Clutterbuck 34). When Max does what the therapist requests of him, she gives him stickers as a reward (Lin). This motivates Max to stop a behavior that is not desirable. Therefore, the concept of positive reinforcement influences the audience to seek for ways of upholding positive behavior among people living with Asperger by introducing rewards.
However, when Max’s peers see him as being strange, this is an inaccurate portrayal of the disorder. Consequently, it adds to stereotypical misconceptions about people who suffer from the mental illness. Stereotyping is the setting of ideas about persons and their ways of behaving, which seeks to represent the whole group (Schneider 321). In respect to the audience, it is evident that the negative attitudes that Max’s peers have towards him increase the misconceptions about the disease in the society. However, though many individuals with the disorder go through what Max does, it is not an accurate description of the disorder when they are seen to be strange and weird.
The issue of discrimination is also evident when individuals with Asperger are subjected to negative attitudes and unfair treatment. Discrimination refers to the unjust treatment of certain persons on the grounds of particular social characteristics (Kite and Whitley 344). For example, Max’s peers believed that he was not normal because of his condition. They saw him as different from them and, as a result, formed, intentionally, negative attitudes and unfair treatment against Max. The concept of discrimination would affect the audience by making them force negative attitudes that would lead to the mistreatment of people living with Asperger.
The media discussed above has a big impact on the viewer and the society at large. The show has a big influence on people who have Asperger and even those who know nothing about the condition. There is an emotional appeal that is generated from the show, especially when the different characters display their thoughts and feelings towards each other. For the viewer, it is easy to get emotional and sympathize with the life of Max. As a young boy, he is forced to go through a lot of struggle because of his condition. The thought of having to interact with peers, who ridicule him, is not easy. Therefore, for one who watches the struggles that Max faces, especially if he or she has the condition or understands the condition, it is very emotional. For individuals, who know nothing about Asperger, it might not be clear why Max behaves differently and sometimes very aggressive towards his parents. They might think that Max is behaving in an ill-mannered way, however, it is because of the manifestation of his disorder. Therefore, the show is of great influence to such individuals, because it will raise awareness of what the illness is all about and how it can be managed effectively. Moreover, when a viewer, who suffers from the disorder, sees what Max is going through, it is enough to affect him or her negatively. Since this show is meant for family viewing, it has a big influence on society too.
The family is the basic social unit of the society; thus, it is important for the relatives to take care of each other, which is evident from Braverman’s family. Despite the condition that Max is in, the family does not give up on him. His parents encourage him and show a lot of love and support. It is clear that Max’s family was ready to go to extra lengths to ensure that he lived a comfortable life. The show portrays that Asperger is a reality that many people have to face every day, but it is a condition that can be managed by taking care of those living with it.
Conclusion
Parenthood is a reflection of the psychological effect that media pieces have on people. The characters in the show depict the effects that psychological issues have on people and those around him. The Asperger condition not only affected Max, but also his parents and those he interacted with. The effect that the condition has on the characters in the show is a reflection of how the society is affected by such disorders; hence, the emotional connection that the audience had with the show. The psychological concepts such as implicit bias, discrimination, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and stereotyping, as evident in the show, are a true reflection of the realities that are present in the society.
Works Cited
“DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria.” Autism Speaks, n.d. Available at https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis/dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria. Accessed 28 Mar. 2018.
Brownstein, Michael, and Jennifer Saul. Implicit Bias and Philosophy: Metaphysics and Epistemology. Oxford University Press, 2016.
“CarRideHome.” YouTube, uploaded by Meaghan Wall, 31 March 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LA6sBiTSro.
Clutterbuck, Peter. Positive Reinforcement: Activities and Strategies for Creating Confident Learners. Crown House Publishing, 2010.
Kite, Mary and Bernard E. Whitley. Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. Psychology Press, 2016.
“Parenthood: Max with the Therapist for the First Time.” YouTube, uploaded by Chin-Hsi Lin, 8 October 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sClOvs3NIqk.
Mendlow, Ellen. Cracking the AP Psychology Exam, 2004-2005. The Princeton Review Publishing, 2004.
Schneider, David J. The Psychology of Stereotyping. Guilford Press, 2005.
