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Perspectives of abnormal psychology
- Course
- Abnormal psychology
- Institution
- Queens College
Perspectives of abnormal psychology
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3.1 Causal Factors and ViewpointsLearning Objectives
3.1 Distinguish between risk factors and causes of abnormal behavior.
3.2 List perspectives psychologists use to understand the causes of abnormal behavior.
3.3 Explain what the biological perspective tells us about abnormal behavior, including biological
causal factors.
3.4 Describe the prominent psychological perspectives on abnormal psychology.
3.5 Describe three social factors contributing to abnormal behavior.
3.6 Explain how cultural differences influence perceptions of abnormal behavior.
3.1 Risk Factors and Causes of Abnormal Behavior
● Goal: Identify what causes mental distress and maladaptive behaviors to improve
diagnosis and treatment.
● Challenge: Human behavior is complex, involving multiple biological and social factors.
● Correlation vs. Causation:
● A correlate is when two variables, like childhood abuse (X) and later depression
(Y), co-occur.
● Risk Factor: When X (e.g., abuse) occurs before Y (e.g., depression), making X a
risk for Y.
● Causal Risk Factor: Changing X must change Y to be considered a true causal
factor.
● Types of Causes:
● Necessary Cause: Must be present for a disorder (Y) to occur (e.g., syphilis for
general paresis).
● Sufficient Cause: Guarantees the disorder, but not essential (e.g., extreme
hopelessness leading to depression).
● Contributory Cause: Increases disorder likelihood but isn’t required or sufficient
(e.g., parental rejection raising depression risk).
● Temporal Factors:
● Distal Risk Factors: Early life events like parental loss can predispose someone to
issues later.
● Proximal Risk Factors: Immediate events that trigger disorders, like a traumatic
incident.
● Reinforcing Contributory Causes: Factors that maintain maladaptive behavior (e.g.,
depressed individuals isolating themselves, increasing rejection and reinforcing
depression).
3.1.2 Feedback and Bidirectionality in Abnormal Behavior
● Complex Interactions: Often, causes and effects influence each other in a bidirectional
manner.
● Example: A boy perceiving hostility from peers, leading to defensive actions, which then
elicits actual hostility from others, creating a cycle.
3.1.3 Diathesis–Stress Models
● Diathesis: A biological, psychological, or sociocultural vulnerability.
● Stress: A response to demands that strain an individual’s resources.
, ● Additive Model: Diathesis and stress add up to cause a disorder.
● Interactive Model: Diathesis must be present for stress to cause a disorder.
● Protective Factors and Resilience:
● Protective Factors: Decrease the likelihood of negative outcomes in at-risk
individuals.
● Resilience: Adaptation to challenges, fostered by protective factors.
● Examples: High emotional intelligence can buffer against abuse effects.
3.2 Perspectives in Understanding Abnormal Behavior
1. Biological Perspective: Focuses on genetic, neurobiological, and physiological factors.
2. Psychological Perspective: Looks at personality, cognition, and unconscious motives.
3. Social and Cultural Perspective: Considers how family, society, and cultural background
shape behavior.
3.3 Biological Perspective on Abnormal Behavior
● Genetic Vulnerabilities: Certain mental disorders have genetic underpinnings (e.g.,
schizophrenia).
● Brain Dysfunction and Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Issues like dopamine imbalance in
schizophrenia.
● Hormonal Abnormalities: Endocrine system issues can influence disorders (e.g., cortisol’s
role in stress).
● Temperament: Early personality traits can indicate risks (e.g., difficult temperament linked
to behavioral issues).
3.4 Psychological Perspectives on Abnormal Psychology
1. Psychodynamic Perspective: Rooted in Freud’s theories, emphasizing unconscious
motivations and childhood experiences.
2. Behavioral Perspective: Focuses on learned behaviors and environmental reinforcement.
3. Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective: Considers thought patterns and behaviors in disorders.
4. Humanistic-Existential Perspective: Emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and
life meaning.
3.5 Social Factors in Abnormal Behavior
1. Parenting and Family Dynamics: Abuse, neglect, and overprotective parenting can
influence mental health.
2. Peer and Social Influences: Bullying, rejection, or acceptance can shape behavior and
self-concept.
3. Socioeconomic Status (SES): Low SES is linked to increased stress, reduced access to
care, and higher disorder risk.
3.6 Cultural Influences on Abnormal Behavior
● Cultural Variability: Cultural norms influence what is considered abnormal behavior (e.g.,
taijin kyofusho in Japan).
, ● Cultural Syndromes: Certain disorders are culture-specific (e.g., ataque de nervios in Latin
American communities).
● Acculturation and Stress: Cultural adaptation challenges can lead to mental health issues.
Summary
1. Understanding Causality: Causal factors include genetic, biological, psychological, and
social elements, influencing behavior through complex interactions.
2. Diathesis–Stress Models: These models highlight the interaction between predisposition
and life stress, with protective factors fostering resilience.
3. Multi-perspective Approach: Psychologists view mental disorders through multiple lenses
to understand and address abnormal behavior comprehensively.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging cultural influences is essential for accurate diagnosis
and treatment.
3.2 Perspectives for Understanding the Causes of Abnormal
Behavior
Learning Objective 3.2
● List the perspectives psychologists use to understand causes of abnormal behavior.
Overview
In the behavioral sciences, there are several competing yet complementary perspectives for
explaining the causes of abnormal behavior. Each perspective offers unique insights, often
focusing on specific causal factors. An integrated approach, known as the biopsychosocial
model, acknowledges that biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence
mental health. Additionally, cultural context affects each of these factors, influencing how both
normal and abnormal behaviors are perceived.
The main perspectives are:
1. Biological Perspective
2. Psychological Perspective
3. Sociocultural Perspective
4. Biopsychosocial Perspective
3.2.1 Biological Perspective
● Focus: Examines how genetic, neurobiological, and hormonal factors contribute to
psychopathology.
● Main Points:
● Genetics: Certain mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) have a hereditary
component, with genes influencing vulnerability to these disorders.
● Neurobiology: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine in schizophrenia,
serotonin in depression) and brain structure abnormalities are linked to specific
mental disorders.
● Hormonal Factors: Abnormalities in hormonal regulation, such as excessive
cortisol due to chronic stress, can impact mental health.
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