31.2Psychological Perspectives on Mental Disorders

Perspective-Based Causes

Different psychological viewpoints offer distinct explanations for disorders.

Four Humors Theory

Ancient idea suggesting mental illness results from bodily fluid imbalances.

Supernatural Causes

Historical belief that disorders were due to evil spirits or possession.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

Explains disorders through unconscious conflicts, childhood trauma, or imbalances among id, ego, and superego.

Humanist Perspective

Attributes psychological disorders to low self-esteem or negative self-image.

Cognitive Perspective

Blames irrational and automatic negative thoughts for psychological symptoms.

Behavioral Perspective

Views disorders as learned responses from classical or operant conditioning.

Biological Perspective

Sees mental disorders as resulting from brain function, genetics, or chemical imbalances.

Medical Model

A biological view treating psychological disorders like physical diseases.

Eclectic Approach

Combines multiple psychological perspectives to understand and treat disorders.

Biopsychosocial Model

Explains disorders as a mix of biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors.

Biological Influences (Biopsychosocial)

Includes genetics, brain chemistry, and hormones.

Psychological Influences (Biopsychosocial)

Includes thoughts, emotions, and learned behaviors.

Sociocultural Influences (Biopsychosocial)

Includes cultural norms, family traditions, and social expectations.

Rosenhan Study Purpose

Tested the effect of psychiatric labels on perception and treatment.

Rosenhan Findings

Showed that normal behavior could be misinterpreted due to a mental illness label.

Labeling Danger

Describing people by their disorders can lead to bias and misjudgment.

Person-First Language

Emphasizes describing symptoms rather than defining someone by a disorder.

Cognitive Perspective Example

Focuses on identifying and correcting distorted or irrational thinking patterns.