Faculty Mentor
Theodore Smith
Location
Library 3C
Session
Session 3
Start Date
13-4-2013 1:30 PM
End Date
13-4-2013 2:30 PM
Description
“Sheldon” from The Big Bang Theory has often been described as having Asperger’s; however, this projection has not been empirically investigated. Using the DSM IV criteria, characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome were identified. After viewing 10 episodes, 62 demonstrated behaviors of Sheldon were matched to 10 DSM IV features. It was determined that Sheldon primarily displayed lack of social and emotional reciprocity, encompassing preoccupation with stereotyped patterns of interest, and, then, inflexibility. Less frequently displayed behaviors included failure to develop age appropriate relationships, disturbance causing significant impairment, and persistent preoccupation with parts of objects. It is suggested that content analysis offers a method to compare and contrast media projections and actual displays of behavior.
Does “Sheldon” from The Big Bang Theory have Asperger’s: A Content Analysis of 10 Episodes Using DSM-IV Criteria?
Library 3C
“Sheldon” from The Big Bang Theory has often been described as having Asperger’s; however, this projection has not been empirically investigated. Using the DSM IV criteria, characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome were identified. After viewing 10 episodes, 62 demonstrated behaviors of Sheldon were matched to 10 DSM IV features. It was determined that Sheldon primarily displayed lack of social and emotional reciprocity, encompassing preoccupation with stereotyped patterns of interest, and, then, inflexibility. Less frequently displayed behaviors included failure to develop age appropriate relationships, disturbance causing significant impairment, and persistent preoccupation with parts of objects. It is suggested that content analysis offers a method to compare and contrast media projections and actual displays of behavior.