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Samantha Mora

ENGL 1301-210

Dr. Sharity Nelson

06 April 2023

Bipolar disorder Rhetorical Analysis

According to Watson, et al, there is few research being done in regards to how early trauma

contributes to bipolar disorder. Watson, et al, aimed to have a comparison of rates between

individuals who do not suffer from bipolar disorder and, those who have the illness. The focus is

to research more on whether there is a significant link between childhood trauma leading to a

bipolar disorder diagnosis (564, Introduction). Methods used in this research where assessments

that were given to the participants called “Child trauma questionnaire” (CTQ); according to

Watson, et al, this questionnaire is a method in finding an answer to their question on whether the

“Childhood trauma” plays a role in bipolar disorder diagnosis (564, Abstract). Watson’s, et al,

article is effective in supporting its argument because the research has credibility, having used

proper approach in gathering evidence to obtain a profound collection of data on the desired goal.

To start with there are various facts from other sources which were taken into consideration

by Watson, et al, that was critical in knowing how to proceed in the research as a whole. According

to Watson, et al, there is a significant high result in childhood trauma with people who have either

bipolar disorder 1 or 2 than other people in the participating group (567). The CTQ surveys of

people with bipolar 1 or 2 was used to analyze in contrast to the people without this illness. With

these data Watson, et al, where able to come to the conclusion that the individuals with bipolar 1,

and 2 have been much more put through negative events and, aspects throughout their lifetime.

Watson, et al, use logos within their explanations by focusing on how this information aids in their
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own research while making sure this evidence is based on sources that are reliable (564). Watson,

et al, uses research done by other experts, and people within the medical field such as psychiatrists

to their own findings drawing connections so that the reader comprehends how these separate

resources function as one in making this analysis successful. Watson, et al, used evidence revised

from reliable sources to support their own findings to be able to sustain their research.

Secondly, the sources used by Watson et al, are not random selections, or chosen without

being a purpose. These sources have been selected to be comprehensive in helping the reader know

why, and how the link in childhood trauma with bipolar disorder may be intertwined. The

information obtained on the CTQ survey showed that the high-rate numbers in emotional trauma,

and the connection of the people having been diagnosed later in life with bipolar disorder; is a

great start Watson, et al, used in showing the importance of finding whether, or not this medical

condition is triggered on psychological abuse (565, Assessment).Watson, et al, found there is a

significant difference between sexual abuse, and emotional abuse; where emotional abuse was

found to be more severe in the cause of bipolar disorder than physical abuse (566, Table 2). This

critical evidence found by Watson, et al, has more investigation to be narrowed down; based that

both emotional, and sexual abuse tend to have an effect mentally (567). There seems to be a wide

range in difference between one abuse to the other in regards to the results obtained with Watson,

et al, findings. The research done by Watson, et al, was able to show “Logistic regression” which

placed the individual at a higher risk of being diagnosed with either bipolar 1, or 2 (568, Table 4).

The level of persistence in the emotional neglect a person undergoes the higher the risk is that the

individual becomes diagnosed, yet also how early on in life (567, Discussion). There was Based

on the careful consideration in information received, and applied in this research Watson et al,
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have been able to have a concrete beginning to finding data; the proper use of logos has helped in

the aim of their investigation (565).

Thirdly Watson, et al, suggested there is the need to find out more on the aspects of their

research, and that there is enough evidence; to imply there may be something discovered linking

trauma with bipolar disorder (568). The small steps in investigation from Watson, et al, has made

the idea of finding a link between child trauma, and bipolar more tangible. Watson, et al, included

important factors such as the description of the people who would be included in their research.

Watson, et al, managed to input the most critical pieces of information from the sample; so that

the audience obtained a better idea as to which individuals were being evaluated making an

informed decision on the research itself. The use of logos is sufficient enough that Watson, et al,

where able to more deeply understand what is required in order for this investigation to have a

more concrete basis; Watson, et al, were able to discover main points such as emotional vs.

physical abuse connection with bipolar disorder (567, Table 3). The proper use of accurate

information lead Watson, et al, to find important information such as with the CTQ surveys, and

having an amount of people without the disorder (566, Table 1). Watson, et al, where able to note

down the specific requirements needed so that any future investigation may be more successful;

in reaching a more elaborated, and concrete reason as to why, and how is emotional abuse more

linked to bipolar disorder (567, Discussion). The calculations made for the CTQ surveys were

included which is good to have to show the reader how that final number was obtained (567);

Watson, et al, placed the calculations steps in the sentence because they require the audience to be

guided throughout so that their research would be able to receive enough support.

In conclusion, Watson, et al, where able to get as far as their research abilities allowed

them to. Watson, et al, managed to have an accurate and, functional research data base; the
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communication, interchange of ideas and, sample size available was used to its full potential (565,

Methods). There where areas that could have been helpful to include in the investigation, yet the

information not applied was later stated in the end result discussion.
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Work Cited

Watson, Stuart, et al. “Childhood trauma in bipolar disorder.” Australian & New Zealand Journal

of Psychiatry, vol. 48, no. 6, 2014, pp. 564-570. The Royal Australian and New Zealand

College of Psychiatrists, DOI: 10.1177/0004867413516681