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The Psychological Modelsof Abnormality

(there are three of these)

• Psychodynamic

• Behavioural

• Cognitive

Approaches to PsychopathologyExplaining Abnormality from different Psychological Perspectives

We have looked at one BIOLOGICAL approach to abnormality, and two PSYCHOLOGICAL approaches (behaviourist and cognitive). This is the 3rd PSYCHOLOGICAL approach – the Psychodynamic!

The Psychodynamic approach to Abnormality…

Basic Assumptions1.ALL behaviour stems from

UNCONSCIOUS forces 2.Our behaviour and feelings as

adults are rooted in childhood experiences

3.ALL behaviour has a cause, and is therefore determined

…about Abnormality

1. Mental disorders result from psychological rather than physical causes

2. Unresolved conflicts in the ‘Psyche’ cause mental disorders (a)

3. Unconscious motivations cause mental disorders (b)4. Early experiences cause mental disorders (c)

The Psychodynamic Model

• Main assumptions:• Psychological disorders are caused by emotional

problems in the unconscious mind• The causes of these emotional problems can usually

be traced back to early childhood• The relationship between child and parents is a

crucial determinant of mental health

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Psychodynamic ApproachMain Assumptions:

• Assumption 1: Experiences in our earlier years can affect our emotions, attitudes and behaviour in later years without us being aware that it is happening. Freud suggested that abnormal behaviour is caused by unresolved conflicts in the Unconscious. These conflicts create anxiety, and we use defence mechanisms such as repression and denial to protect our Ego against this anxiety. However, if defence mechanisms are over-used, they can lead to disturbed abnormal behaviour.

• Assumption 2: If repressed memories can be recovered from the Unconscious through psychotherapy, and if the patient experiences the emotional pain of these repressed memories, the conflicts will be resolved and the patient will be cured (catharsis & closure i.e. lancing the psychological boil) . Modern psychoanalysis suggests patients must also come to understand these memories cognitively.

The Unconscious MindThe conscious. The small amount of mental activity we know about.

The preconscious. Things we could be aware of if we wanted or tried.

The unconscious. Things we are unaware of and can not become aware of.

ThoughtsPerceptions

MemoriesStored knowledge

FearsUnacceptable sexual desiresViolent motivesIrrational wishesImmoral urgesSelfish needsShameful experiencesTraumatic experiences

Bad

Worse

Really Bad

Unconscious Mind (b)

Freud suggests that the

Unconscious mind exerts a powerful

effect on behaviour, and that this often

leads to distress as we might not

understand why we are acting a

certain way. This part of the mind is

where we find memories, fears

and unacceptable urges, needs and

motivations

The Psyche

Id:

Instincts

Superego:

Morality

Ego:

Reality

Healthy Psyche

Id Superego

Ego

OK Guys – I’m in charge. Anything you want has to go

through me.

OK.OK.

Neurotic Psyche

Id

Superego

Ego

Listen up! I’m in charge, and you are not here to enjoy yourselves. Get ready for a double-size portion of anxiety with a side

order of guilt!

No fun.

>whimper<

Psychotic Psyche

Id

SuperegoEgo

Sex! Food! Drink! Drugs! NOW!

Who turned out the lights?

Psychopathic Psyche

OK. First, gimme food. Then I want sex – lots of it and I don’t particularly care

whether it’s with a willing partner. Then I want to hurt people. Badly. Probably be

hungry again after that so…

OK then. Let’s go.

Personality Structures…

ID: irrational and primitive, demands immediate satisfaction and is ruled by the PLEASURE PRINCIPLE.

EGO: conscious part of the personality that is rational and driven by the REALITY PRINCIPLE

SUPEREGO: this is our conscience and our sense of right and wrong, it is morally driven.

Personality Structures…Explaining Abnormality…

Id: If it’s impulses are not kept in check by the ego and superego, they are expressed by destructiveness and immorality.

Superego: If this becomes too powerful it can be too restrictive on the Id and deprive it of acceptable pleasures

Ego: If the ego is not fully developed, or if it is weak then another part of the psyche will take over.

What disorders or types of abnormal behaviour do you think might result from problems with the Id, Ego and Superego

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Recap: Psychosexual Stages of Development

Defence Mechanisms

• Unacceptable (latent) motives are channeled into more acceptable (manifest) thoughts and actionsAggression

Sexual desire for parent

Masturbation

Playing with faeces

Sport

Sexual desire for partner

Guitar playing

Pottery

Psychological Disorders

• Psychological disorders are defence mechanisms against repressed emotional problems and impulses

• The symptoms of a disorder have a hidden meaning that can be decoded

Psychological Disorders

Depression Aggression against the parents turned back in on the self

Anxiety Fear of something (e.g. sex) that is projected onto something innocuous

Which parts of the Psyche could Bart, Lisa and their parents

represent…and why?

Check your knowledge…

How can conflict between the 3 parts of the Psyche lead to

abnormal behaviour?If traumatic experiences occur in

childhood, and they are dealt with by ‘repression’, where does Freud claim they go to, and how do they express

themselves?