TITLE PAGE

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Ms. Rinku Jain of MA Psychology Second Year has conducted and successfully
completed the practical work in MPCL- 024 Practicum: COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY

Name : Rinku Jain

Enrolment No. : 2001665128

Name of the Study Centre : RC3

Place : New Delhi

Regional Centre : RC3

Place : New Delhi

Date : 9 January 2022

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 INDEX

Sr. No. Title Page No.

1 Big Five Personality Test 4
2 Internet Addiction Disorder 7
3 Key Changes that have been 9
made in DSM -5
4 Case History 12
5 Hypothetical Case 15

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 PRACTICAL NO 1

BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TEST

Aim: To assess the personality of the person using big five personality test

Introduction:

The word personality itself stems from the Latin word persona, which refers to a theatrical mask worn by
performers in order to either project different roles or disguise their identities.

It is believed that personality arises from within the individual and remains fairly consistent throughout life.
According to G.W. Allport, (1961). “Personality is a dynamic organisation, inside the person, of
psychophysical systems that create the person’s characteristic patterns of behaviour, thoughts, and feelings”

Theories of Personality

Major Theories
Personality psychology is the focus of some of the best-known psychology theories by a number of famous
thinkers including Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson. Some of these theories attempt to tackle a specific area
of personality while others attempt to explain personality much more broadly.
Biological Theories
Biological approaches suggest that genetics are responsible for personality. In the classic nature versus
nurture debate, the biological theories of personality side with nature. Research on heritability suggests that
there is a link between genetics and personality traits. Twin studies are often used to investigate which traits
might be linked to genetics versus those that might be linked to environmental variables. For example,
researchers might look at differences and similarities in the personalities of twins reared together versus
those who are raised apart.

One of the best-known biological theorists was Hans Eysenck, who linked aspects of personality to
biological processes. Eysenck argued that personality is influenced by the stress hormone cortisol.
According to his theory, introverts have high cortical arousal and avoid stimulation, while extroverts had low
cortical arousal and crave stimulation.

Behavioral Theories

Behavioral theorists include B. F. Skinner and John B. Watson. Behavioral theories suggest that personality
is a result of interaction between the individual and the environment. Behavioral theorists study observable
and measurable behaviors, rejecting theories that take internal thoughts, moods, and feelings play a part as
these cannot be measured. According to behavioral theorists, conditioning (predictable behavioral responses)
occurs through interactions with our environment which ultimately shapes our personalities.

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Psychodynamic Theories

Psychodynamic theories of personality are heavily influenced by the work of Sigmund Freud and emphasize
the influence of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences on personality. Psychodynamic theories
include Sigmund Freud's psychosexual stage theory and Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.

Freud believed the three components of personality were the id, ego, and superego. The id is responsible for
needs and urges, while the superego regulates ideals and morals. The ego, in turn, moderates the demands of
the id, superego, and reality. Freud suggested that children progress through a series of stages in which the
id's energy is focused on different erogenous zones. Erikson also believed that personality progressed
through a series of stages, with certain conflicts arising at each stage. Success in any stage depends on
successfully overcoming these conflicts.

Humanist Theories

Humanist theories emphasize the importance of free will and individual experience in the development of
personality. Humanist theorists include Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. Humanist theorists promote the
concept of self-actualization, which is the innate need for personal growth and the ways that personal growth
motivates behavior.

Trait Theories

The trait theory approach is one of the most prominent areas in personality psychology. According to these
theories, personality is made up of a number of broad traits. A trait is a relatively stable characteristic that
causes an individual to behave in certain ways. It is essentially the psychological "blueprint" that informs
behavioral patterns. Some of the best-known trait theories include Eysenck's three-dimension theory and the
five-factor theory of personality. Eysenck concluded that there were three major dimensions of personality:
extroversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism. Later researchers suggested that there are five broad
dimensions that make up a person's personalities, often referred to as the Big 5 theory of personality. The
Big 5 theory suggests that all personalities can be characterized by five major personality dimensions:
openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, collectively referred to by the
acronym OCEAN.

Big five factors

McCrae and Costa believed that all human personality traits can be reduced to five factors only: Openness to
experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Acronym as OCEAN, these
factors or dimensions were the results of factor analysis (a statistical procedure) of Cattell’s original list by
McCrae and Costa.

Brief descriptions of these factors are given below:

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Openness to experience: such people love novelty and creativity. They have a curious mind and have an
appreciation for art. They are an independent thinker and prefer to do a variety of things instead of routine
activities.

Conscientiousness: these people are more goal-directed, self-disciplined, hardworking, honest and
competent. They prefer planned activity instead of spontaneous behaviour.

Extraversion: these people generally experience positive emotions, as well as by traits such as sociable,
lively, and active.

Agreeableness: people who score high on agreeableness have a tendency to be cooperative and
compassionate. Such people are generally helpful and trustworthy.

Neuroticism: these are worried, insecure and self-pitying people. Whereas, people who score low on
neuroticism are self-satisfied and secure.

Description of the test (Big five factor test)

Originally developed in 1949, the big 5 personality traits is a theory established by D. W. Fiske and later
expanded upon by other researchers including Norman (1967), Smith (1967), Goldberg (1981), and McCrae
& Costa (1987).

It’s suggested that as early the late 19th century social psychologists were trying to gain a more scientific
understanding of personality but it wasn’t until the first official study in the 1930s by Gordon Allport and
Henry Odbert that personality had some sort of scientific acknowledgement. They took 18,000 words from
Webster’s Dictionary to describe personality traits and found adjectives that described non-physical
characteristics creating a 4500-word bank of observable behaviour markers. 

Later studies were able to identify many overlaps and specific traits per person which has allowed a more
condensed and comprehensive review of personality traits. The big 5 are still widely used today as the basis
of global study.

This test uses the Big-Five Factor Markers from the International Personality Item Pool, developed
by Goldberg (1992).

Source: "Possible Questionnaire Format for Administering the 50-Item Set of IPIP Big-Five Factor
Markers". International Personality Item Pool.

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Procedure

The test consists of fifty items that you must rate on how true they are about you on a five point scale where
1=Disagree, 3=Neutral and 5=Agree. It takes most people 3-8 minutes to complete.

1. Preliminary details
Name : Upkar Jain
Age: 45
Gender: Male
Qualification: B.E. MBA
2. Result

3. Traits
His dominant personality trait is Conscientiousness. He has Emotional Stability also.
4. Conclusion
Upkar is a person with conscientiousness. He is agreeable, diligent in his work and also shows
emotional stability. He is more practical as his imagination score is very less. A person well balanced
with intellect, calm personality and extrovertness.

References

 Goldberg, Lewis R. "The development of markers for the Big-Five factor structure."
 Psychological assessment 4.1 (1992): 26.
 https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-personality-2795416
 https://www.verywellmind.com/personality-psychology-study-guide-2795699
 https://www.thomas.co/resources/type/hr-guides/what-are-big-5-personality-traits
 https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/IPIP-BFFM/
 https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/61464/1/Unit-6.pdf

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 PRACTICAL NO 2

INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER

The videos give information about the signs of mobile/internet addiction, at-risk children, preventive
measures that can be adopted by the caregiver, research and status of mobile/internet addiction.

Answers to the questions asked are as follows

Q1. Is Internet disorder identified as a separate disorder?

Ans : According to some schools it a separate disorder . While some believe that it is not a disorder at
all but rather a sociocultural phenomenon that should not be medicalized at all.
Q2. What are the different names given to internet addiction?

Ans: The different names given to internet addiction are

1. Pathological internet use

2. Compulsive internet use
3. Compensatory internet use
4. Problematic internet use

Subtypes include: cyber gaming, cyber sexual, cyber relational, information overload, cyber gambling,
cyber chondria, cyber bullying, net compusions

Q3. Identify the probable causes of such behavioural addictions.

Ans : The causes of such behavioural addictions can be

1. Positive reinforcement : Felling of well being or euphoria when is using internet.

2. Negative reinforcement: Some people are shy or anxious to face the real people and so they
use this medium to avoid anxiety as it is a virtual world.
3. Self doubt or low self efficacy: When using internet one can mask their negative things and
feel confident. So, people who doubt themselves or have low self-efficiency use internet to gain
confidence and present themselves with no flaws.
4. Undergoing psychopathology (depression, social anxiety): Some people are feeling
depressed or they avoid real people. Such people take social media as their way to reduce
depression or play games to avoid the contact of people around them. They feel good when
they visit different sites of their interest where they are free from criticism etc…
5. Internet provides a medium for lonely people to interact with others without getting recognized.
Many people use social media sites for this purpose. Internet also provides them flexibility to

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 choose, they can omit or edit their personal information just to get recognition. So, such people
get addicted to internet and feel that they are better off than their other peers in real life.
6. Some people don’t feel satisfied with natural rewards and they find solace in virtual world.
Internet provides immediate rewards with minimal delay.
7. Use of internet causes changes in brain structure and function for example playing a game and
winning in it creates a very positive vibe in the individual and in order to get more he plays
more and that gets addiction.

Q4. If you are placed as a School Counsellor, devise a plan for the parents of school children,
especially from Class I to V, to handle the issue of mobile/internet addiction.

Ans: To handle the issue of mobile/internet addiction following plan can be done

1. The parents will be called every Saturday for 1 hour in the school or a virtual meeting can be
held.
2. In the first session problems faced by parents related to children’s mobile/internet addiction
will be listened, causes will be identified.
3. In the second session parents will be asked to do certain activities like play board games ludo,
snakes and ladders, monopoly. They will be asked to write 5 things they would enjoy doing if
there was no internet. Some gardening activities and story reading activities will be assigned to
them for the week, to do with their children.
4. In the third session parents will be called along with their children. Feedback will be taken
from the parents and the children about how they enjoyed doing activity with each other. Their
problems or hindrances will be addressed during the session and solutions will be provided.
5. In the fourth session only the parents who are not able to carry out the activities will be called
along with their children and counseled individually.
6. In the fifth session all the parents and children will be called for a fun filled activity session
involving outdoor games, drawing activity, story-telling. Harmful effects of mobile/internet
addiction will be shared and finally the positive feedback will be shared wherein children will
share how they felt without mobile and spending time with their family.

References

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idvdtvmvH1w&feature=youtu.be
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX_6WWWH8cw&feature=youtu.be

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 PRACTICAL NO 3

KEY CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE IN DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook widely used by clinicians
and psychiatrists in the United States to diagnose psychiatric illnesses. Published by the American
Psychiatric Association (APA), the DSM covers all categories of mental health disorders for both adults and
children.

It contains descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria necessary for diagnosing mental health disorders. It
also contains statistics concerning which sex is most affected by the illness, the typical age of onset, the
effects of treatment, and common treatment approaches.In addition to being used for psychiatric diagnosis
and treatment recommendations, mental health professionals also use the DSM to classify patients for billing
purposes.

The newest version of the DSM, the DSM-5, was published in May of 2013. This latest revision was met
with considerable discussion and some controversy.
A major issue with the DSM has been around validity. In response to this, the National Institute of Mental
Health (NIMH) launched the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project to transform diagnosis by
incorporating genetics, imaging, cognitive science, and other levels of information to lay the foundation for a
new classification system they feel will be more biologically based.
Later, NIMH Director Thomas Insel and APA President-elect Jeffrey Lieberman issued a joint statement
saying that the DSM-5 represents "the best information currently available for clinical diagnosis of mental
disorders." They went on to say that both the DSM-5 and RDoC represent "complementary, not competing,
frameworks" for the classification and treatment of mental disorders.4

Changes in the DSM-5

The DSM-5 contains a number of significant changes from the earlier DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR. 

 The most immediately obvious change is the shift from using Roman numerals to Arabic
numbers in the name.
 Most notably, the DSM-5 eliminated the multiaxial system. Instead, the DSM-5 lists categories
of disorders along with a number of different related disorders. Example categories in the
DSM-5 include anxiety disorders, bipolar and related disorders, depressive
disorders, feeding and eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and
personality disorders.
 Modification of Artificial Categorization
-No longer exists
- Categorization has been simplified to clarify relationships between different disorders
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 Autism Spectrum
In DSM-5 the four separately classified issues have been identified under the header of
autism spectrum disorder. The previous categories of autism, Asperger’s childhood
disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder are no longer in use.
 Elimination of Childhood Bipolar disorder
DSM-5 removes childhood bipolar disorder and replaces it with Disruptive mood
dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
 Revision to ADHD Diagnosis
The new DSM-5 broadens the ADHD diagnosis allowing for adult onset and relaxing
strictness of the criteria to more accurately reflect new research on this disorder. Adults
can now be diagnosed with ADHD if have few signs and symptoms than children do.
 Increasing detail on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)symptoms
Due to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan medical researches have gained a great deal more
insight into PTSD in the last 15 years. DSM -5 reflects increased understanding and
described 4 main types of symptoms:
- Arousal
- Avoidance
- Flashbacks
- Negative impacts on thought patterns and moods
 Reclassification of Dementia
In the DSM-5 both dementia and the category of memory / learning difficulties called
amnestic disorders have been subsumed into a new category, Neuro cognitive Disorder
 Intellectual disability
To reflect common language, the issues previously referred toas “mental retardation” are
now classified as “intellectual disability”
The diagnostic criteria this disorder have also been updated to more strongly focus on
adaptive functioning rather than IQ score.

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References

 https://slideplayer.com/slide/5256572/16/images/7/DSM+%E2%80%93IV+TR+DSM+-5+Axis+
%E2%80%93I+Psychiatric+disorders+Axis+%E2%80%93II+Diagnosis.jpg

 https://www.verywellmind.com/the-diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-dsm-2795758

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 PRACTICAL NO 4

CASE HISTORY

Aim: To get familiar with the case history method required for counseling and clinical assessment.

Introduction

Psychological testing is the basis for mental health treatment. These tools are often used to measure and
observe a person’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts.

Tests are performed by a psychologist who will evaluate the results to determine the cause, severity, and
duration of your symptoms. This will guide them in creating a treatment plan that meets your needs.

During a psychological evaluation, assessments may also be used to help diagnose and treat mental health
conditions. Assessments include standardized tests as well as informal tests, such as: Surveys, clinical
interviews, observational data, medical exams, previous educational and medical history, case history etc.….

Different methods of assessment

Surveys

A survey is a data collection tool used to gather information about individuals. Surveys are commonly used
in psychology research to collect self-report data from study participants. A survey may focus on factual
information about individuals, or it might aim to obtain the opinions of the survey takers.

Clinical interviews

The clinical interview is foundational to psychological or mental health treatment. It involves a professional
relationship between a mental health provider and a patient or client and is used across all major mental
health treatment disciplines. Although defined differently by different authors, the clinical interview includes
an informed consent process and has as its primary goals (a) initiation of a therapeutic alliance, (b)
assessment or diagnostic data collection, (c) case formulation, and/or (d) implementation of a psychological
intervention. This entry includes information about the history/evolution of clinical interviewing, an outline
of the typical interview process or structure, distinctions between unstructured, semi structured, and
structured interviews, and contemporary developments (i.e., the science of clinical interviewing, techniques
as relational acts, and cultural adaptations)

Observational data

The observation method of data collection involves seeing people in a certain setting or place at a specific
time and day. Essentially, researchers study the behaviour of the individuals or surroundings in which they
are analysing. This can be controlled, spontaneous, or participant-based research.

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Interviews

An interview is accurately defined as a formal meeting between two individuals in which the interviewer
asks the interviewee questions in order to gather information. An interview not only collects personal
information from the interviewees, but it is also a way to acquire insights into people’s other skills.

Case history

It basically refers to a file containing relevant information pertaining to an individual client or group. Case
histories are maintained by a broad range of professional organizations including those in the fields of
psychiatry, psychology, healthcare, and social work.

Medical exams/Medical history

A record of information about a person's health. A personal medical history may include information about
allergies, illnesses, surgeries, immunizations, and results of physical exams and tests. It may also include
information about medicines taken and health habits, such as diet and exercise. Any mental illnesses,
behaviors, childhood memories wherein it affected the patient’s mental state etc.…

Case History of the person

1. Profile of the case

Name: Mrs. Rageshwari Menon
Age: 35
Gender: Female
Educational qualification: MA political science, economics
Marital Status: Married for past 10 years
Profession: Journalist
2. Central problem
The client/patient is suffering from depression and marital problems
3. Medical history (Psychiatric and other medical problems)
She had been in depression, and was taking medications for the same. She is diabetic also. Severe
episodes of depression but no suicidal thoughts, as was clear from her medical records.
Not able to conceive because of marital issues and also her hormonal imbalance.
At age of 18 she was diagnosed as a Hyperactive child.
At age 35 she was diagnosed with clinical depression and advised for therapy sessions
At age of 36 advised for marital counseling.
Medications taken to reduce depression .

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4. Family history
Her parents were very strict and there is an age gap of 40 years between the parents and the patient.
Family is orthodox. Girls were not given much freedom but she managed to do journalism. She
doesn’t have good relations with her parents.

5. Marital history
She had a love marriage and is been married to a high society family. Married for 10 years. Now
facing problems due to financial issues as husband has lost job. She has no children but she wants
one. Taking couple counseling.
6. Habits
She is simpleton. No addictions so far. Socially active and loves journalism.
7. Leisure activities
Enjoys outing, parties etc.… loves reading books.
8. Remarks
She is a smart lady. A good journalist. After her husband lost job, she took all the financial
responsibilities and also managed to repay the loan on his name. She is depressed because of the
behavior of in-laws and not being a mother. ADHD diagnosed patient but still able to manage her life
very well in balanced way. She is undergoing counseling therapy individually as well as couple.

References
 https://psychcentral.com/lib/types-of-psychological-testing
 https://www.questionpro.com/blog/surveys/
 Clinical Interview John Sommers-Flanagan,Wag a ne s hAbeje Zeleke,and Meredith H.
E.Hood January 2015 DOI:10.1002/9781118625392.wbecp117 In book: The Encyclopedia of
Clinical psychology https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319336218_Clinical_Interview
 https://www.iteratorshq.com/blog/data-collection-best-methods-practical-examples/
#:~:text=The%20observation%20method%20of%20data,%2C%20or%20participant
%2Dbased%20research.
 https://www.bestcounselingdegrees.net/resources/case-history/
 https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/medical-history
 https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/fighting-fear/201212/the-importance-proper-
psychiatric-histo

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 PRACTICAL NO 5
HYPOTHETICAL CASE

Case
Tanveer, is a 17-old year boy who completed his Class XII with average marks. He is an intelligent and
hard-working student, however, for the last two years he has become disinterested in his studies. He is
thoroughly dependent upon luck and fortune. Presently, he has been following someone on social media
and started to meditate for long hours each day. The duration of meditation is somewhere between five-
six hours every day. Though, completely disinterested in studies, he has applied in various colleges and
University of his city for an undergraduate programme. He wants to pursue Journalism, but his father
wants him to pursue Law (father is a lawyer).

Solution to the problem described

First of all, I would talk to the parents and understand the core problem with Tanveer. Secondly, I will
have a one-to-one session with Tanveer and build a rapport with him. Will try to understand his interests
and disinterests. I would talk to him about spirituality and know about his guru, whom he is following.
Will ask him how meditating for long hours benefits him. After understanding both him and his parents’
concerns, I will counsel him in the following way:
1. Will ask him to make a list of things which he enjoys most other than doing meditation.
2. Will explain to him the benefits of managing his time properly so that he can meditate and also study
for his future.
3. Will tell him about the professions of journalism and law in detail and ask him how meditating will
help him to go for these professions.
4. If he has no answer for it, then I will tell him about time management for health (mental and
physical) and his studies.
5. If he has any answer for relation between meditation and professions then also, I will explain him to
maintain a balance between the two for his future.
6. Finally, I will give him a task to do everyday related to his studies e.g. tell him to find out the cutoff
percentages of different colleges, know which professions have entrance tests and find information
about coaching centers who can provide entrance preparation etc.. and call him for a few more
sessions to make him realise that how studies are important for him to make a good career and earn
a decent living.

Measures for the family members

1. They should first listen to the videos or see the posts of the social media person their son is following
and get maximum information about him.

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2. They should contact him and request him to talk to their son, Tanveer through phone or messages and
counsel him to balance his meditation and studies.
3. Parents need to spend more time with the son and understand his requirements.
4. Father should not force his choice of, Tanveer becoming a lawyer.
5. Parents can encourage Tanveer to take psychometric assessment to understand which career will be
good for him.
6. They should love their child and involve him in day to day activities of the house and teach him new
skills to divert his attention.

This is how I will counsel Tanveer and his parents. I will also do the follow ups to understand how the
implemented changes are affecting them.

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