Understanding Psychological Perspectives on Mental Disorders

abnormal psychology

the study of unusual patterns of behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a disorder

clinical psychology

the branch of psychology that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and prevents mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders

psychology student syndrome

psychology students studying abnormal behavior can also become convinced that they have some mental disorder

diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders

comprehensive classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose and categorize mental disorders

international classification of mental disorders

global standard for reporting and categorizing diseases, including mental and behavioral disorders

deviation

significant departure from accepted social behaviors and cultural expectations

distress

intense and prolonged emotional suffering that impairs an individual’s ability to function in daily life

dysfunction

the disruption in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning that significantly impairs an individual’s ability to perform normal daily activities

stigma

the negative stereotypes and social disapproval directed at individuals with mental disorders

biological perspective

mental disorders are caused by physiological and genetic factors

behavioral perspective

suggests that mental disorders arise from maladaptive learned behaviors and associations

psychodynamic perspective

mental disorders stem from unresolved unconscious conflicts and impulses, often originating in childhood

humanistic perspective

emphasizes that mental disorders arise when individuals’ innate potential for self fulfillment and personal growth is blocked

cognitive perspective

proposes that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive thought patterns

evolutionary perspective

suggests that mental disorders can arise from behaviors and mental processes that are maladaptive, reducing an individual’s chances of survival and reproduction in a given environment

sociocultural perspective

mental disorders stem from maladaptive social and cultural relationships and dynamics

eclectic approach

combining techniques and theories from multiple therapeutic orientations to tailor treatment the unique needs of individual clients

biopsychosocial model

psychological disorders result from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors

diathesis stress model

psychological disorders arise from a predisposing genetic vulnerability (diathesis) combined with stressful environmental factors (stress)