Working in a community mental health center, Dr. Ott treats adolescents with eating disorders. Dr. Ott is most likely a(n) __ psychologist.
a. personality
b. industrial-organizational
c. clinical
d. developmental
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. clinical.
Explanation:
Dr. Ott works in a community mental health center treating adolescents with eating disorders. This context points directly toward the specialty of clinical psychology.
Clinical psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, emotional disturbances, and behavioral problems across the lifespan, including adolescents. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are complex psychological conditions that require specialized clinical intervention.
Here’s why the other options are less likely:
- a. Personality psychologist: Personality psychologists study individual differences in personality traits and how these traits develop and influence behavior over time. While personality traits might be relevant to eating disorders, personality psychologists typically focus on research rather than direct clinical treatment.
- b. Industrial-organizational psychologist: These psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace environments, focusing on improving productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational behavior. They are not generally involved in clinical treatment of mental health disorders.
- d. Developmental psychologist: Developmental psychologists study the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur throughout a person’s lifespan. While eating disorders often emerge during adolescence—a key developmental period—developmental psychologists typically focus on research rather than clinical treatment.
Because Dr. Ott is directly involved in treating adolescents with eating disorders in a mental health setting, the role fits the clinical psychologist’s function, which combines assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders.
Summary:
- Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health issues, including eating disorders.
- Dr. Ott’s work with adolescents in a mental health center aligns with clinical psychology.
- Other types of psychologists focus on research or non-clinical settings.
Thus, clinical psychologist is the best fit for Dr. Ott’s role.