Theoretical Models of Psychopathology

What does the biological model believe causes psychopathology?

Psychopathology results from biological/physical problems, such as brain abnormalities, genetics, neurotransmitters, hormones, or brain injury.

What are two major biological factors involved in psychopathology?

Genetics and evolution.

How can genetics contribute to psychopathology?

Genes can influence behaviour and psychological functioning, making some mental disorders more likely.

How can neurotransmitters be involved in psychopathology?

Abnormal neurotransmitter activity can be associated with psychological disorders.

How can brain structures and circuits contribute to psychopathology?

Problems with communication between brain structures can contribute to dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

How do biological theorists treat clients?

psychotropic drugs, ECT, psychosurgery

What are psychotropic drugs and what are the 4 main categories?

Medications that affect brain functioning and are used to reduce symptoms of mental disorders.

• Antianxiety → anxiety

• Antidepressants → depression

• Antibipolar/mood stabilizers → bipolar disorder

• Antipsychotics → hallucinations, delusions, confusion

What is ECT?

Electroconvulsive therapy, a brain-stimulation treatment that can be used for severe depression.

What is psychosurgery?

Deep brain stimulation where a pacemaker sends low voltage electricity to electrodes in the brain. It helps with severe hard to treat depression

What is a major criticism of the biological model?

It can overemphasize biological explanations and overlook psychological and other factors; some biological treatments can also have side effects.

What does the psychodynamic model believe causes psychopathology?

Unconscious psychological forces and conflicts, often rooted in early experiences and relationships.

Who is the major theorist associated with the psychodynamic model?

Sigmund Freud.

What is Freud's basic view of behaviour?

Behaviour is influenced by unconscious forces and past experiences, particularly childhood experiences.

What is the id?

The pleasure principle — primitive instincts and desires that seek immediate gratification.

What is the ego?

The reality principle — mediates between the id's desires and the demands of reality/society.

What is the superego?

The morality principle — represents conscience, ethics, and internalized societal/parental values.

What are Freud's three parts of personality?

• Id → pleasure

• Ego → reality

• Superego → morality

What are Freud's five psychosexual stages?

• Oral

• Anal

• Phallic

• Latency

• Genital

What is fixation in Freud's theory?

When unresolved conflicts at a developmental stage cause a person to remain psychologically focused on that stage.

What are ego defense mechanisms?

Unconscious strategies used to reduce anxiety and manage uncomfortable thoughts or impulses. Like repressio, denial and projection.

What is free association in psychodynamic therapy?

The client freely shares thoughts, feelings, and images without filtering them.

What is therapist interpretation in psychodynamic therapy?

The therapist identifies and explains the underlying meaning or unconscious processes behind the client's thoughts and behaviours.

What is catharsis and working through in psychodynamic therapy?

Exploring repressed feelings and conflicts and repeatedly working through them to resolve them.

What is short-term psychodynamic therapy?

A therapy that focuses on one specific problem or conflict rather than addressing every problem.

What is relational psychoanalytic therapy in psychodynamic theory?

A therapy that focuses on relationships and helps clients develop healthier, more balanced relationships.

What are the limitations of psychodynamic theory?

Hard to research, no way of proving that id/ego/superego is happening and there is limited research to support

What are pros of psychodynamic theory?

It helped change the way psychopathology is understood and it looks outside of biological processes. It shows how dysfunctional behaviour may be rooted in the same processes as functional behaviour. It is the 1st theory to apply theory systematically to treatment.

What does the cognitive-behavioural model focus on?

The relationship between thoughts, behaviours, and emotions.

What does the cognitive-behavioural model believe causes psychopathology?

Learned behaviours, faulty assumptions, and illogical/maladaptive thinking.

Who are two major theorists associated with the cognitive dimension of CBT?

Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck.

What is classical conditioning?

Learning that occurs when two stimuli become associated, causing one stimulus to trigger a learned response.

What is modelling in CBT?

Learning behaviour by observing and imitating other people.

What is the goal of CBT?

To change unhealthy behaviours and challenge negative thoughts, biased interpretations, and faulty thinking.

What is exposure therapy?

A treatment that gradually exposes a person to an anxiety-provoking stimulus to reduce their fear/anxiety response.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

A CBT-based approach that focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to behaviours that align with personal values.

How do the biological, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural models explain psychopathology?

Biological:
→ Physical/biological problems

Psychodynamic:
→ Unconscious conflicts + early experiences

Cognitive-behavioural:
→ Learned behaviours + problematic thoughts

What are the main treatments associated with the three models?

Biological → medication, brain stimulation
Psychodynamic → psychoanalysis/psychodynamic therapy
Cognitive-behavioural → CBT, exposure therapy, ACT

What are strengths and weaknesses of the biological model?

Strengths:

• Provides valuable information about biological causes

• Has produced effective treatments

Weaknesses:

• Can overemphasize biological explanations

• Can overlook other factors

• Treatments can have side effects

What are strengths and weaknesses of the psychodynamic model?

Strengths:

• Expanded understanding beyond biological causes

• Emphasized psychological processes

• Applied theory to treatment

Weaknesses:

• Difficult to scientifically test

• Limited research support

What are strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive-behavioural model?

Strengths:

• Can be scientifically tested

• Has been helpful for many clients

Weaknesses:

• Doesn't help everyone

• May overlook early experiences/relationships

• Doesn't clearly establish whether problematic thoughts/behaviours are causes or results of disorders

What is the humanistic-existential model?

An umbrella theory that focuses on broader dimensions of human existence and personal experience.

What does the humanistic perspective believe causes psychopathology?

Self-deception caused by conditions of worth, which can lead people to become inauthentic and disconnected from their own goals.

What are conditions of worth?

The belief that you are only worthy/lovable if you meet certain expectations or conditions.

What is client-centered therapy?

A humanistic therapy that creates an accepting environment where clients can become more authentic and accept themselves.

What are the three qualities necessary in client-centered therapy?

1. Unconditional positive regard → accepting the client without conditions

2. Accurate empathy → understanding and listening to the client's experience

3. Genuineness → therapist is authentic and sincere

Who is most associated with client-centered therapy?

Carl Rogers

What does Gestalt theory believe causes psychopathology?

An inability to accept oneself.

Who developed Gestalt therapy?

Fritz Perls

What is the goal of Gestalt therapy?

To help clients embrace their true emotions and stay focused on the present moment, using techniques such as role-playing.

What does the existential perspective believe causes psychopathology?

Avoidance of responsibility and difficulty finding meaning in life, which can contribute to feelings of emptiness, helplessness, anxiety, and depression.

What is the goal of existential therapy?

To help clients accept responsibility for their lives and choices, regain a sense of freedom, and find meaning in their lives.

How do the three humanistic-existential approaches differ?

Humanistic:
→ Conditions of worth / self-deception
→ Become authentic through acceptance

Gestalt:
→ Inability to accept oneself
→ Embrace emotions and focus on the present

Existential:
→ Avoidance of responsibility / lack of meaning
→ Accept responsibility and create meaning

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the humanistic-existential model?

Pros:

• Can be applied to a wide variety of people

• Has an optimistic view of human nature

Cons:

• Difficult to research scientifically

What does the sociocultural model focus on?

How social environments, relationships, family, and culture influence psychopathology.

What are the 2 main perspectives within the sociocultural model?

Family-social and multicultural.

What 3 factors does the family-social perspective focus on?

1. Social labels and roles
→ 2. Social connections and supports
→ 3. Family structure and communication

According to the family-social perspective, what can cause psychopathology?

Family/social stress and pressure, including unhealthy family structures, communication patterns, and difficulty with social roles.

What is family systems theory?

The idea that family relationships and communication patterns can contribute to psychological problems.

What is an example of an unhealthy family pattern?

Enmeshment = family members are overly involved in each other’s lives, which can make independence difficult.

What treatments are used in the family-social perspective?

Interpersonal psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and community mental health programs.

What does interpersonal psychotherapy focus on?

Interpersonal problems, such as loss, poor communication, role conflicts, and difficulty adjusting to role changes.

What does the multicultural perspective focus on?

How cultural and societal factors influence psychological problems.

What factors are considered in the multicultural perspective?

Race/ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, disability/ability, education, income/class, language, and culture.

According to the multicultural perspective, what can cause psychopathology?

External societal pressures and cultural conflicts, including stress related to discrimination, minority status, or conflicting cultural expectations.

What are culturally responsive therapies?

Therapies that consider the person's cultural background and experiences when providing treatment.

What is affirmative therapy?

Therapy that supports and affirms LGBTQ+ identities and helps reduce stress related to identity, stigma, or discrimination.

What are culturally responsive therapies?

Therapies that consider a person's cultural background and identity when providing treatment.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the sociocultural model?

Pros:

• Improves understanding and treatment of psychopathology

• Makes clinicians more aware of the impact of social and cultural factors

Cons:

• Research findings can be difficult to interpret