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PYC3712 Assignment 1 (ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED

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Comprehensively structured PYC3712 Assignment 1 (ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED. Prepared to a distinction standard with detailed and well-developed responses... Case study Simonny is a 24-year-old unemployed man who lives alone. He is the only child of his parents. On his 21st birthday, his parents surprised him with a newly built house in a neighbouring village. Simonny barely lived in the house and decided to move out a year later. He now lives in a two-roomed shack located on his grandfather’s farm, further from the village and without any neighbours. His decision to abandon the house his parents built caused them considerable emotional distress. When questioned about why he left the house, he said very little, as he is considered to be “a man of few words.” Despite the emotional distress his parents experienced, Simonny remained emotionally blunt and never bothered to provide reasons for abandoning the house. Simonny spends all his time alone, shows no interest in socialising, and avoids any activities that require him to interact with people. Going to the shops makes him extremely uncomfortable, as he does not like interacting with others. Cashiers at the shops regard him as cold, as he does not respond to light-hearted jokes and appears emotionally aloof. Simonny has never been in an intimate relationship and does not desire to be in one. He does not have any friends, and the only people he speaks to, albeit infrequently, are his parents. Simonny derives pleasure from farming activities and spends most of his time on the farm attending to his garden crops. Question 1 [15] Classify Simmony’s abnormal behaviour according to the DSM-5-TR classification system and justify your answer. Question 2 [10] Provide two differential diagnoses that should be considered based on Simmony’s behaviour and discuss why these diagnoses are less suitable. Total mark: [25] 2 PYC3712/2026 Marking Rubric Question 1: Diagnostic and clinical features Criterion Excellent (7-10) Good (5-6) Satisfactory (3-4) Poor (0-2) Understanding of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and justification of diagnosis (10) Accurate, comprehensive description of core DSM-5-TR criteria with correct terminology and justification Mostly accurate description; minor omissions or inaccuracies with some justification Basic understanding; several criteria missing or unclear and limited justification Minimal or incorrect understanding of criteria and poor justification Criterion Excellent (4-5) Good (3) Satisfactory (2) Poor (0-1) Conceptual clarity and coherence (5) Wellstructured, logically organised, and clearly expressed Generally clear and coherent Some lack clarity or organisation Disorganised and unclear Question 2: Differential diagnosis Criterion Mark Identification of disorders 2 Clear and justified description of the differential diagnosis 5 Conceptual clarity and use of appropriate academic language

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PYC3712
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
QUESTION 1

DSM-5-TR CLASSIFICATION AND DIAGNOSTIC JUSTIFICATION OF SIMONNY’S
BEHAVIOUR

DSM 5 TR Classification
 Schizoid Personality Disorder

According to the DSM 5 TR, Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterised by a pervasive
pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional
expression in interpersonal settings (American Psychiatric Association 2022). Individuals
with this disorder show little desire for close relationships, prefer solitary activities and
appear emotionally cold or indifferent.

Simonny’s behaviour aligns closely with these diagnostic features.




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QUESTION 1

DSM-5-TR CLASSIFICATION AND DIAGNOSTIC JUSTIFICATION OF
SIMONNY’S BEHAVIOUR

The DSM 5 TR provides a structured system for identifying and classifying mental
disorders based on clearly defined diagnostic criteria (American Psychiatric
Association 2022). In assessing Simonny’s behaviour, it is important to compare his
long term patterns of thinking, feeling and interacting with others against the criteria
outlined in the DSM 5 TR. Abnormal behaviour is generally understood as behaviour
that causes impairment in functioning, deviates from social norms or reflects
underlying psychological disturbance (Sue, Sue and Sue 2022). Based on the
information provided in the case study, Simonny’s presentation is most consistent
with Schizoid Personality Disorder under the category of Personality Disorders in
the DSM 5 TR.




DSM 5 TR Classification
 Schizoid Personality Disorder

According to the DSM 5 TR, Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterised by a
pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of
emotional expression in interpersonal settings (American Psychiatric Association
2022). Individuals with this disorder show little desire for close relationships, prefer
solitary activities and appear emotionally cold or indifferent.

Simonny’s behaviour aligns closely with these diagnostic features.




Justification Based on DSM 5 TR Criteria

1. Detachment from Social Relationships

A central feature of Schizoid Personality Disorder is a lack of desire for close
relationships, including being part of a family (American Psychiatric Association
2022). Simonny lives alone in an isolated shack despite being given a newly built

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