History and Theory

Genes

composed of DNA and located on chromosomes

Psychodynamic

abnormality is determined by our unconscious conflicts between social rules and personal impulses and/or early relationships with caregivers

Behavioral

abnormality is caused by our lifelong learning experiences involving rewards, punishments, and associations

Cognitive

abnormality results from biased or irrational thinking by which we distort and misunderstand our reality

Humanistic

abnormality develops from our inability to live authentic, freely directed lives

Sociocultural

abnormality is the result of external forces, such as poverty, environmental stress, cultural traditions, power dynamics, and systems of oppression

Diathesis-Stress

abnormality is the product of 2 interacting factors: (1) a predisposition to have that disorder and (2) life stressors