Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Chapter 3 1 Chapter 3 Models of Abnormality Slides & Handouts by Karen Clay Rhines, Ph.D. Seton Hall University

Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Chapter 3Chapter 3

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Chapter 3Chapter 3

Models of AbnormalityModels of Abnormality

Slides & Handouts by Karen Clay Slides & Handouts by Karen Clay Rhines, Ph.D.Rhines, Ph.D.

Seton Hall UniversitySeton Hall University

2Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e –

Chapter 3Chapter 3


In science, the perspectives used to explain In science, the perspectives used to explain phenomena are known as models or phenomena are known as models or paradigmsparadigms Each provides a set of assumptions and concepts Each provides a set of assumptions and concepts

that help us explain and interpret observationsthat help us explain and interpret observations A school of thoughtA school of thought

Helpful because they spell out basic Helpful because they spell out basic assumptions and set guidelines for investigationassumptions and set guidelines for investigation

They influence what investigators observe, the They influence what investigators observe, the questions they ask, the information they seek, questions they ask, the information they seek, and their interpretation of that informationand their interpretation of that information


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Historically, clinical scientists of a Historically, clinical scientists of a given time and place agreed on a given time and place agreed on a single model of abnormality – a model single model of abnormality – a model greatly influenced by cultural beliefsgreatly influenced by cultural beliefs

Currently, there are several Currently, there are several competing models of abnormalitycompeting models of abnormality Why? Each model focuses on one aspect Why? Each model focuses on one aspect

of human functioning and no single of human functioning and no single model can explain all aspects of model can explain all aspects of abnormalityabnormality


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The Biological ModelThe Biological Model

Takes a medical perspectiveTakes a medical perspective

Main focus is that psychological Main focus is that psychological abnormality is an illness brought abnormality is an illness brought about by malfunctioning parts of the about by malfunctioning parts of the organismorganism Typically focused on the brainTypically focused on the brain


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How Do Biological How Do Biological Theorists Explain Theorists Explain

Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Brain anatomy Brain anatomy

The brain is composed of ~100 billion The brain is composed of ~100 billion nerve cells (called neurons) and nerve cells (called neurons) and thousands of billions of support cells thousands of billions of support cells (called glia)(called glia)

Within the brain, large groups of Within the brain, large groups of neurons form distinct areas called brain neurons form distinct areas called brain regionsregions


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Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Brain anatomy and abnormal behaviorBrain anatomy and abnormal behavior

Clinical researchers have found Clinical researchers have found connections between certain connections between certain psychological disorders and problems in psychological disorders and problems in specific brain areasspecific brain areas Example: Huntington’s disease & basal Example: Huntington’s disease & basal

ganglia ganglia (forebrain)(forebrain)


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Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Brain chemistry Brain chemistry

Information spreads throughout the Information spreads throughout the brain in the form of electrical impulses brain in the form of electrical impulses that travel from one neuron to one (or that travel from one neuron to one (or more) other neuronsmore) other neurons

An impulse is first received at a An impulse is first received at a neuron’s dendrites, travels down the neuron’s dendrites, travels down the axon, and is transmitted to other axon, and is transmitted to other neurons through the nerve endingsneurons through the nerve endings

8


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Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Brain chemistry Brain chemistry

Neurons don’t touch; they are separated by Neurons don’t touch; they are separated by a space (the synapse), across which a a space (the synapse), across which a message movesmessage moves

When an electrical impulse reaches a nerve When an electrical impulse reaches a nerve ending, the nerve ending is stimulated to ending, the nerve ending is stimulated to release a chemical called a release a chemical called a neurotransmitter (NT)neurotransmitter (NT) Some NTs tell receiving neurons to “fire;” other Some NTs tell receiving neurons to “fire;” other

NTs tell receiving neurons to stop firingNTs tell receiving neurons to stop firing


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Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Brain chemistryBrain chemistry

Researchers have identified dozens of Researchers have identified dozens of NTs NTs Examples: serotonin, dopamine, and GABAExamples: serotonin, dopamine, and GABA

Studies indicate that abnormal activity Studies indicate that abnormal activity in certain NTs can lead to specific in certain NTs can lead to specific mental disordersmental disorders Examples: depression (serotonin and Examples: depression (serotonin and

norepinephrine) and anxiety (GABA)norepinephrine) and anxiety (GABA)


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Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Brain chemistryBrain chemistry

Additionally, researchers have learned that Additionally, researchers have learned that mental disorders are sometimes related to mental disorders are sometimes related to abnormal chemical activity in the endocrine abnormal chemical activity in the endocrine systemsystem

Hormone release, triggered by a variety of Hormone release, triggered by a variety of factors, propels body organs into action. factors, propels body organs into action. Abnormal secretions have been linked to Abnormal secretions have been linked to psychological disorderspsychological disorders

Example: cortisol release is related to anxiety Example: cortisol release is related to anxiety and mood disordersand mood disorders


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Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Sources of biological abnormalities – Sources of biological abnormalities –

Genetics Genetics Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, each with Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, each with

numerous genes that control the characteristics numerous genes that control the characteristics and traits a person inheritsand traits a person inherits

Studies suggest that inheritance plays a part in Studies suggest that inheritance plays a part in mood disorders, schizophrenia, mental mood disorders, schizophrenia, mental retardation, Alzheimer’s disease, and other retardation, Alzheimer’s disease, and other mental disordersmental disorders

Aren’t able (yet) to identify specific genesAren’t able (yet) to identify specific genes Don’t know the extent to which genetic factors Don’t know the extent to which genetic factors

contribute to disorderscontribute to disorders Seems no SINGLE gene is responsible for a Seems no SINGLE gene is responsible for a

particular behavior or disorderparticular behavior or disorder


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Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Sources of biological abnormalities – Evolution Sources of biological abnormalities – Evolution

Genes that contribute to mental disorders are Genes that contribute to mental disorders are viewed as unfortunate occurrences:viewed as unfortunate occurrences:

May be mutationsMay be mutations May be inherited after a mutation in the family lineMay be inherited after a mutation in the family line

Evolutionary theorists argue that we can best Evolutionary theorists argue that we can best understand abnormality by examining the millions of understand abnormality by examining the millions of years of human evolutionyears of human evolution

Looking at a combination of adaptive behaviors of the past, Looking at a combination of adaptive behaviors of the past, genes, and the interaction between genes and current genes, and the interaction between genes and current environmental eventsenvironmental events

This model has been criticized and remains This model has been criticized and remains controversialcontroversial


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Abnormal Behavior?Abnormal Behavior? Sources of biological abnormalities – Viral Sources of biological abnormalities – Viral

infections infections Infection provides another possible source of Infection provides another possible source of

abnormal brain structure or biochemical abnormal brain structure or biochemical dysfunction dysfunction

Example: schizophrenia and prenatal viral exposureExample: schizophrenia and prenatal viral exposure

Interest in viral explanations of psychological Interest in viral explanations of psychological disorders has been growing in the past decadedisorders has been growing in the past decade

Example: anxiety and mood disordersExample: anxiety and mood disorders


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Biological TreatmentsBiological Treatments

Biological practitioners attempt to Biological practitioners attempt to pinpoint the physical source of pinpoint the physical source of dysfunction to determine the course dysfunction to determine the course of treatmentof treatment

Three types of biological treatment:Three types of biological treatment: Drug therapyDrug therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

PsychosurgeryPsychosurgery


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Drug therapy:Drug therapy: 1950s = advent of psychotropic medications1950s = advent of psychotropic medications

Changed outlook for a number of mental Changed outlook for a number of mental disordersdisorders

Four groups of drugs:Four groups of drugs: Antianxiety drugs (anxiolytics; tranquilizers)Antianxiety drugs (anxiolytics; tranquilizers)

Antidepressant drugsAntidepressant drugs

Antibipolar drugs (mood stabilizers)Antibipolar drugs (mood stabilizers)

Antipsychotic drugsAntipsychotic drugs


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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT):Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): Currently experiencing a revivalCurrently experiencing a revival

Used for depression when drugs and Used for depression when drugs and other therapies have failedother therapies have failed In 60% of cases, ECT can lift symptoms In 60% of cases, ECT can lift symptoms

within a few weekswithin a few weeks


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Psychosurgery (or neurosurgery):Psychosurgery (or neurosurgery): Historical roots in trephinationHistorical roots in trephination

1930s = first lobotomy1930s = first lobotomy

Much more precise than in the pastMuch more precise than in the past

Considered experimental and used only Considered experimental and used only in extreme casesin extreme cases


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Assessing the Biological Assessing the Biological ModelModel

Weaknesses:Weaknesses: Can limit rather than Can limit rather than

enhance our enhance our understandingunderstanding

Too simplisticToo simplistic

Evidence is incomplete Evidence is incomplete or inconclusiveor inconclusive

Treatments produce Treatments produce significant undesirable significant undesirable (negative) effects(negative) effects

Strengths:Strengths: Enjoys considerable Enjoys considerable

respect in the fieldrespect in the field

FruitfulFruitful Creates new Creates new

therapiestherapies

Suggests new Suggests new avenues of researchavenues of research


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The Psychodynamic The Psychodynamic ModelModel

Oldest and most famous psychological Oldest and most famous psychological modelmodel

Based on belief that a person’s behavior Based on belief that a person’s behavior (whether normal or abnormal) is (whether normal or abnormal) is determined largely by underlying dynamic determined largely by underlying dynamic psychological forces of which she or he is psychological forces of which she or he is not awarenot aware Abnormal symptoms are the result of conflict Abnormal symptoms are the result of conflict

among these forcesamong these forces Father of psychodynamic theory and Father of psychodynamic theory and

psychoanalytic therapy: psychoanalytic therapy: Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939)Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939)


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How Did Freud Explain How Did Freud Explain Normal and Abnormal Normal and Abnormal

Functioning?Functioning? Caused by three UNCONSCIOUS forces:Caused by three UNCONSCIOUS forces:

1.1. Id – guided by the Id – guided by the Pleasure PrinciplePleasure Principle Instinctual needs, drives, & impulsesInstinctual needs, drives, & impulses

Sexual; fueled by libido (sexual energy)Sexual; fueled by libido (sexual energy)

2.2. Ego – guided by the Ego – guided by the Reality PrincipleReality Principle Seeks gratification but guides us to know when Seeks gratification but guides us to know when

we can & can’t express our wisheswe can & can’t express our wishes

Ego defense mechanisms protect us from anxietyEgo defense mechanisms protect us from anxiety


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Functioning?Functioning? Caused by three UNCONSCIOUS forces:Caused by three UNCONSCIOUS forces:

3.3. Superego – guided by the Superego – guided by the Morality PrincipleMorality Principle Conscience; unconsciously adopted from our parentsConscience; unconsciously adopted from our parents

These three parts of the personality are These three parts of the personality are often in conflictoften in conflict

A healthy personality is one in which A healthy personality is one in which compromise exists among the three forcescompromise exists among the three forces

If the id, ego, and superego are in excessive If the id, ego, and superego are in excessive conflict, the person’s behavior may show signs of conflict, the person’s behavior may show signs of dysfunctiondysfunction


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Functioning?Functioning? Developmental stagesDevelopmental stages

Freud proposed that at each stage of Freud proposed that at each stage of development, new events and pressures development, new events and pressures require adjustment in the id, ego, and require adjustment in the id, ego, and superegosuperego If successful → personal growthIf successful → personal growth

If unsuccessful → fixation at an early If unsuccessful → fixation at an early developmental stage, leading to psychological developmental stage, leading to psychological abnormalityabnormality

Because parents are the key figures in early life, they Because parents are the key figures in early life, they are often seen as the cause of improper developmentare often seen as the cause of improper development


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Functioning?Functioning? Developmental stagesDevelopmental stages

Oral (0 to 18 months of age)Oral (0 to 18 months of age)

Anal (18 months to 3 years of age)Anal (18 months to 3 years of age)

Phallic (3 to 5 years of age)Phallic (3 to 5 years of age)

Latency (5 to 12 years of age)Latency (5 to 12 years of age)

Genital (12 years of age to adulthood)Genital (12 years of age to adulthood)


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How Do Other How Do Other Psychodynamic Psychodynamic

Explanations Differ from Explanations Differ from Freud’s?Freud’s?

Although current models deviate from Freud’s Although current models deviate from Freud’s in important ways, each retains the belief that in important ways, each retains the belief that human functioning is shaped by dynamic human functioning is shaped by dynamic (interacting) forces:(interacting) forces: Ego theoristsEgo theorists

Emphasize the role of the ego; consider it independentEmphasize the role of the ego; consider it independent

Self theoristsSelf theorists Emphasize the unified personality over any one componentEmphasize the unified personality over any one component

Object-relations theoristsObject-relations theorists Emphasize the human need for interpersonal relationshipsEmphasize the human need for interpersonal relationships


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Psychodynamic Psychodynamic TherapiesTherapies

Range from Freudian psychoanalysis Range from Freudian psychoanalysis to more modern therapiesto more modern therapies

All seek to uncover past trauma and All seek to uncover past trauma and inner conflictsinner conflicts Understanding early life experience Understanding early life experience

critically importantcritically important

Therapist acts as “subtle guide”Therapist acts as “subtle guide”


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Utilize various techniques:Utilize various techniques: Free associationFree association Therapist interpretationTherapist interpretation

ResistanceResistance TransferenceTransference Dream interpretationDream interpretation

CatharsisCatharsis Working throughWorking through


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Contemporary trends:Contemporary trends: Short-term psychodynamic therapiesShort-term psychodynamic therapies

Relational psychoanalytic therapyRelational psychoanalytic therapy


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Assessing the Assessing the Psychodynamic ModelPsychodynamic Model

Strengths:Strengths: First to recognize First to recognize

importance of importance of psychological theories & psychological theories & treatmenttreatment

Saw internal conflict as Saw internal conflict as important source of important source of psychological health and psychological health and abnormality abnormality

First to apply theory and First to apply theory and techniques systematically techniques systematically to treatment – to treatment – monumental impact on monumental impact on the fieldthe field

Weaknesses:Weaknesses: Unsupported ideas; Unsupported ideas;

difficult to researchdifficult to research Non-observableNon-observable

Inaccessible to Inaccessible to human subject human subject (unconscious)(unconscious)


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The Behavioral ModelThe Behavioral Model

Like the psychodynamic perspective, Like the psychodynamic perspective, behaviorism is deterministic, and is behaviorism is deterministic, and is based on the idea that our actions are based on the idea that our actions are determined largely by our life determined largely by our life experiencesexperiences

Emphasizes observable behavior and Emphasizes observable behavior and environmental factors environmental factors

Focuses on how behavior is acquired Focuses on how behavior is acquired (learned) and maintained over time(learned) and maintained over time


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The Behavioral ModelThe Behavioral Model

Historical beginnings in laboratories Historical beginnings in laboratories where conditioning studies were where conditioning studies were conductedconducted Several forms of conditioning:Several forms of conditioning:

Operant conditioning Operant conditioning

ModelingModeling

Classical conditioningClassical conditioning

May produce normal or abnormal May produce normal or abnormal behaviorbehavior


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How Do Behaviorists How Do Behaviorists Explain Abnormal Explain Abnormal

Functioning? Functioning? Operant conditioningOperant conditioning

Organism “operates” on environment Organism “operates” on environment and produces an effectand produces an effect

Humans and animals learn to behave in Humans and animals learn to behave in certain ways as a result of receiving certain ways as a result of receiving rewardsrewards whenever they do so whenever they do so


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Functioning? Functioning? Modeling Modeling

Individuals learn behavioral responses Individuals learn behavioral responses by observing and repeating behaviorby observing and repeating behavior No direct reinforcementNo direct reinforcement


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Functioning?Functioning? Classical conditioning Classical conditioning

Learning by temporal association Learning by temporal association When two events repeatedly occur close When two events repeatedly occur close

together in time, they become fused in a together in time, they become fused in a person’s mind; before long, the person person’s mind; before long, the person responds in the same way to both eventsresponds in the same way to both events

Father of classical conditioning: Ivan Father of classical conditioning: Ivan Pavlov (1849 – 1936)Pavlov (1849 – 1936) Classic study using dogs & meat powderClassic study using dogs & meat powder


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Classical ConditioningClassical Conditioning

UR

Salivate

UR

Salivate

US

Meat

Tone

CS

Tone

CR

Salivate

US

Meat+


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Functioning?Functioning? Classical conditioning Classical conditioning

If, after conditioning, the CS is If, after conditioning, the CS is repeatedly presented alone, it will repeatedly presented alone, it will eventually stop eliciting the CReventually stop eliciting the CR This process is called extinctionThis process is called extinction

Explains many familiar behaviors (both Explains many familiar behaviors (both normal and abnormal)normal and abnormal)


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Behavioral TherapiesBehavioral Therapies

Aim is to identify the behaviors that are Aim is to identify the behaviors that are causing problems and replace them causing problems and replace them with more appropriate ones with more appropriate ones May use classical conditioning, operant May use classical conditioning, operant

conditioning, or modelingconditioning, or modeling

Therapist is “teacher” rather than Therapist is “teacher” rather than healerhealer Early life experiences important only in Early life experiences important only in

providing clues to current learningproviding clues to current learning


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Behavioral TherapiesBehavioral Therapies

Classical conditioning treatments Classical conditioning treatments may be used to change abnormal may be used to change abnormal reactions to particular stimulireactions to particular stimuli Example: systematic desensitization for Example: systematic desensitization for

phobiaphobia Step-by-step procedureStep-by-step procedure

Learn relaxation skillsLearn relaxation skills

Develop a fear hierarchyDevelop a fear hierarchy

Confront feared situations (covertly or Confront feared situations (covertly or in vivoin vivo))


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Assessing the Behavioral Assessing the Behavioral ModelModel

Strengths:Strengths: Powerful force in Powerful force in

the fieldthe field

Rooted in Rooted in empiricismempiricism

Phenomena can be Phenomena can be observed and observed and measuredmeasured

Significant research Significant research support for support for behavioral therapiesbehavioral therapies

Weaknesses:Weaknesses: Too simplisticToo simplistic

UnrealisticUnrealistic

Downplays role of Downplays role of cognition cognition New focus on self-New focus on self-

efficacy, social efficacy, social cognition, and cognition, and cognitive-behavioral cognitive-behavioral theoriestheories


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The Cognitive ModelThe Cognitive Model

Seeks to account for behavior by Seeks to account for behavior by studying the ways in which the person studying the ways in which the person attends to, interprets, and uses available attends to, interprets, and uses available informationinformation

Argues that clinicians must ask Argues that clinicians must ask questions about assumptions, attitudes, questions about assumptions, attitudes, and thoughts of a clientand thoughts of a client Concerned with internal processesConcerned with internal processes

Present-focused Present-focused


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How Do Cognitive How Do Cognitive Theorists Explain Theorists Explain

Abnormal Functioning?Abnormal Functioning? Maladaptive thinking is the cause of Maladaptive thinking is the cause of

maladaptive behaviormaladaptive behavior Several kinds of faulty thinking:Several kinds of faulty thinking:

Faulty assumptions and attitudesFaulty assumptions and attitudes

Illogical thinking processesIllogical thinking processes

Example: overgeneralizationExample: overgeneralization


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Cognitive TherapiesCognitive Therapies

People must be taught a new way of People must be taught a new way of thinking to prevent maladaptive thinking to prevent maladaptive behaviorbehavior

Main model: Beck’s Cognitive TherapyMain model: Beck’s Cognitive Therapy The goal of therapy is to help clients The goal of therapy is to help clients

recognize and restructure their thinkingrecognize and restructure their thinking Therapists also guide clients to challenge Therapists also guide clients to challenge

dysfunctional thoughts, try out new interpretations, dysfunctional thoughts, try out new interpretations, and apply new ways of thinking in their daily livesand apply new ways of thinking in their daily lives

Widely used in treating depression Widely used in treating depression


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Assessing the Cognitive Assessing the Cognitive ModelModel

Strengths:Strengths: Very broad appealVery broad appeal Clinically useful & Clinically useful &

effectiveeffective Focuses on a uniquely Focuses on a uniquely

human processhuman process Correlation between Correlation between

symptoms and symptoms and maladaptive cognition maladaptive cognition

Therapies effective in Therapies effective in treating several disorderstreating several disorders

Adapt well to Adapt well to technologytechnology

Research-basedResearch-based

Weaknesses:Weaknesses: Singular, narrow Singular, narrow

focusfocus

Overemphasis on the Overemphasis on the presentpresent

Limited effectivenessLimited effectiveness

Verification of Verification of cognition is difficultcognition is difficult

Precise role is hard to Precise role is hard to determinedetermine


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The Humanistic-The Humanistic-Existential ModelExistential Model

Combination modelCombination model The humanist viewThe humanist view

Emphasis on people as friendly, Emphasis on people as friendly, cooperative, and constructive; focus on cooperative, and constructive; focus on drive to self-actualizationdrive to self-actualization

The existentialist viewThe existentialist view Emphasis on self-determination, choice, and Emphasis on self-determination, choice, and

individual responsibility; focus on individual responsibility; focus on authenticityauthenticity


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Rogers’ Humanistic Rogers’ Humanistic Theory and TherapyTheory and Therapy

Basic human need for Basic human need for unconditional positive unconditional positive regardregard If received, leads to unconditional self-regardIf received, leads to unconditional self-regard If not, leads to “conditions of worth”If not, leads to “conditions of worth”

Incapable of self-actualization because of distortion – Incapable of self-actualization because of distortion – don’t know what they really need, etc.don’t know what they really need, etc.

Rogers’ “client-centered” therapyRogers’ “client-centered” therapy Therapist providesTherapist provides unconditional positive regardunconditional positive regard

Both accurate & genuine in reflection (reflective listening)Both accurate & genuine in reflection (reflective listening) Focus on the “experiencing person”Focus on the “experiencing person” Little research supportLittle research support


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Gestalt Theory and Gestalt Theory and TherapyTherapy

Humanistic approachHumanistic approach Developed by Fritz PerlsDeveloped by Fritz Perls

Goal is to help clients achieve self-recognition Goal is to help clients achieve self-recognition through challenge and frustrationthrough challenge and frustration

Techniques:Techniques: Skillful frustrationSkillful frustration

Role playingRole playing

Rules, including “Here and Now” and “I” languageRules, including “Here and Now” and “I” language


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Existential Theories and Existential Theories and TherapyTherapy

Psychological dysfunction is caused by Psychological dysfunction is caused by self-deception: people hide from life’s self-deception: people hide from life’s responsibilities and fail to recognize that it responsibilities and fail to recognize that it is up to them to give meaning to their livesis up to them to give meaning to their lives

Therapy is focused on patient acceptance Therapy is focused on patient acceptance of personal responsibility and recognition of personal responsibility and recognition of freedom of actionof freedom of action Goals more important than techniqueGoals more important than technique Great emphasis placed on client-therapist Great emphasis placed on client-therapist

relationshiprelationship


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Assessing the Assessing the Humanistic-Existential Humanistic-Existential

ModelModel Strengths:Strengths:

Emphasizes the Emphasizes the individualindividual

Taps into domains Taps into domains missing from other missing from other theoriestheories

Non-deterministicNon-deterministic

OptimisticOptimistic

Emphasizes health Emphasizes health

Weaknesses:Weaknesses: Focuses on abstract Focuses on abstract

issuesissues Difficult to research Difficult to research

Not much influenceNot much influence

Weakened by Weakened by disapproval of disapproval of scientific approachscientific approach

Changing somewhatChanging somewhat


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The Sociocultural ModelThe Sociocultural Model

Argues that abnormal behavior is best Argues that abnormal behavior is best understood in light of the social and understood in light of the social and cultural forces that influence an cultural forces that influence an individualindividual Addresses norms and roles in societyAddresses norms and roles in society

Influenced by sociology and Influenced by sociology and anthropologyanthropology

Argues that we must examine a person’s Argues that we must examine a person’s social surroundings to understand their social surroundings to understand their (abnormal) behavior(abnormal) behavior


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How Do Sociocultural How Do Sociocultural Theorists Explain Theorists Explain

Abnormal Functioning?Abnormal Functioning? Focus on:Focus on:

Societal labels & rolesSocietal labels & roles Diagnostic labels (example: Rosenhan Diagnostic labels (example: Rosenhan

study)study)

Sick roleSick role

Social networks and supportSocial networks and support


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Family structure and communicationFamily structure and communication Family systems theory = abnormal Family systems theory = abnormal

functioning within family leads to abnormal functioning within family leads to abnormal behavior (behavior (insane insane behavior becomes sane in behavior becomes sane in an an insane insane environment)environment)

Examples: enmeshed, disengaged structuresExamples: enmeshed, disengaged structures


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CultureCulture Set of values, attitudes, beliefs, history, and Set of values, attitudes, beliefs, history, and

behaviors shared by a group of people and behaviors shared by a group of people and communicated from one generation to the communicated from one generation to the nextnext

““Multicultural” psychology is a growing Multicultural” psychology is a growing field of studyfield of study


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Religion and spirituality Religion and spirituality For most of the twentieth century, clinical For most of the twentieth century, clinical

scientists viewed religion as a negative factor scientists viewed religion as a negative factor in mental health but this alienation now in mental health but this alienation now seems to be ending:seems to be ending:

Researchers have begun to systematically study Researchers have begun to systematically study the influence of religion and spirituality on mental the influence of religion and spirituality on mental healthhealth

Many therapists now address spiritual issues when Many therapists now address spiritual issues when treating religious clientstreating religious clients


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Sociocultural TreatmentsSociocultural Treatments

May include traditional individual May include traditional individual therapytherapy

Broadened therapy to include:Broadened therapy to include: Culturally sensitive therapyCulturally sensitive therapy Group therapyGroup therapy Family therapyFamily therapy Couple therapyCouple therapy Community treatment Community treatment

Includes prevention workIncludes prevention work


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Assessing the Assessing the Sociocultural ModelSociocultural Model

Strengths:Strengths: Added greatly to the Added greatly to the

clinical clinical understanding of understanding of abnormalityabnormality

Increased awareness Increased awareness of labelingof labeling

Clinically successful Clinically successful when other when other treatments have treatments have failedfailed

Weaknesses:Weaknesses: Research is difficult Research is difficult

to interpretto interpret Correlation Correlation

causationcausation

Model unable to Model unable to predict abnormality predict abnormality in specific in specific individualsindividuals


Chapter 3Chapter 3

Integration of the Integration of the ModelsModels

Each perspective is valuable to Each perspective is valuable to understanding abnormal behaviorunderstanding abnormal behavior

Different perspectives are more Different perspectives are more appropriate under differing conditionsappropriate under differing conditions

An integrative approach provides a An integrative approach provides a general framework for thinking about general framework for thinking about abnormal behavior, and also allows for abnormal behavior, and also allows for specification of the factors that are specification of the factors that are especially pertinent to particular especially pertinent to particular disordersdisorders


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Many theorists, clinicians, and Many theorists, clinicians, and practitioners adhere to a practitioners adhere to a biopsychosocialbiopsychosocial modelmodel Abnormality results from the interaction of Abnormality results from the interaction of

genetic, biological, developmental, emotional, genetic, biological, developmental, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, social, and societal behavioral, cognitive, social, and societal influencesinfluences

Also popular:Also popular: Diathesis-stress approachDiathesis-stress approach

Diathesis = predisposition (bio, psycho, or social)Diathesis = predisposition (bio, psycho, or social)

Reciprocal effects explanationReciprocal effects explanation


Chapter 3Chapter 3


Integrative therapists are often Integrative therapists are often called “eclectic” – taking the called “eclectic” – taking the strengths from each model and strengths from each model and using them in combinationusing them in combination

Documents

Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Chapter 3 1 Chapter 3 Models of Abnormality Slides & Handouts by Karen Clay Rhines, Ph.D. Seton Hall University