Biological, Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral & Sociocultural Models of Abnormality

What are models of abnormality?

Paradigms used by scientists and clinicians to explain abnormality, guide treatment, and define assumptions.

What does the biological model emphasize?

That abnormality has a biological basis, often from malfunctioning brain structures or chemistry.

Which brain structures are linked to psychological disorders?

Cerebrum, cortex, corpus callosum, basal ganglia, hippocampus, and amygdala.

How do neurotransmitters affect abnormal behavior?

Abnormal activity in neurotransmitters (NTs) can lead to specific mental disorders.

How does the endocrine system affect abnormality?

Abnormal hormone activity, such as excess cortisol, is linked to anxiety and mood disorders.

What role do genetics play in abnormality?

Inheritance contributes to disorders like mood disorders and schizophrenia; usually multiple genes interact.

What are possible genetic causes of mental disorders?

Mutations, inherited traits, and evolutionary factors that may no longer be adaptive.

What are the three leading biological treatments?

Drug therapy, brain stimulation, and psychosurgery.

What are the four major groups of psychotropic drugs?

Antianxiety drugs, antidepressants, antibipolar (mood stabilizers), and antipsychotics.

What are examples of brain stimulation therapies?

ECT, TMS, VNS, deep brain stimulation.

What are strengths of the biological model?

Respected in the field, produces valuable information, and effective treatments.

What are weaknesses of the biological model?

Excludes nonbiological factors, may produce undesirable side effects.

What is the psychodynamic model?

Freud's theory that behavior is shaped by unconscious psychological forces and conflicts.

What are Freud's three forces of personality?

Id (pleasure principle), Ego (reality principle), Superego (morality principle).

What causes dysfunction according to Freud?

Excessive conflict among id, ego, and superego.

What happens if developmental stages are unresolved according to Freud?

Failure leads to fixation at early stages and later psychological abnormality.

What are object-relations theorists focused on?

The importance of early relationships, especially between children and caregivers.

What are psychodynamic therapy techniques?

Free association, therapist interpretation, resistance, transference, dream interpretation, catharsis, working through.

What are strengths of the psychodynamic model?

First to highlight importance of psychological processes and systematic treatment.

What are weaknesses of the psychodynamic model?

Unsupported, hard to research, concepts not observable.

What is the cognitive-behavioral model?

A model that focuses on maladaptive behaviors and thinking processes.

What are key behavioral principles in therapy?

Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and modeling.

What is the cognitive dimension of the model?

Focuses on maladaptive assumptions, attitudes, and illogical thinking.

What is exposure therapy?

A treatment where clients confront feared situations to reduce avoidance and anxiety.

What are strengths of the cognitive-behavioral model?

Strong research support, effective therapies, clinically useful, broad appeal.

What are weaknesses of the cognitive-behavioral model?

Not effective for everyone, cognition's exact role unclear, some changes may be unattainable.

What are examples of new-wave therapies?

Acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based techniques.

What is the humanistic view of abnormality?

People are inherently friendly and constructive, striving toward self-actualization.

What is the existentialist view of abnormality?

Dysfunction occurs when people avoid responsibility and lack authentic self-awareness.

What is Rogers' client-centered therapy?

A therapy emphasizing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness.

What is Gestalt therapy?

A therapy using role play, frustration, and "here and now" techniques to increase self-awareness.

What is existential therapy?

Therapy encouraging clients to accept responsibility and live authentically.

What are strengths of the humanistic-existential model?

Emphasizes individual, optimism, health focus.

What are weaknesses of the humanistic-existential model?

Abstract, difficult to research, limited scientific support.

What does the sociocultural model emphasize?

The role of social and cultural factors in abnormality, including norms and roles.

What is family systems theory?

The idea that abnormal behavior stems from family structure (enmeshed or disengaged).

What are family-social treatments?

Group therapy, family therapy, couple therapy, community treatment.

What is avatar therapy?

A virtual reality therapy used to treat phobias, trauma, hallucinations, and social anxiety.

What do multicultural theorists emphasize?

Behavior and treatment must be understood in cultural context; prejudice/discrimination affect mental health.

What therapies address cultural issues?

Culture-sensitive and gender-sensitive therapies.

What are strengths of sociocultural models?

Broaden understanding of abnormality, effective when other treatments fail.

What are weaknesses of sociocultural models?

Difficult to research, cannot predict abnormality in individuals.

What is developmental psychopathology?

An integrative framework combining multiple models to explain adaptive and maladaptive functioning.

What are key principles of developmental psychopathology?

Equifinality (different paths to same outcome) and multifinality (same experience can lead to different outcomes).