chapter 2 psyc 3082

Essentials of Abnormal Psychology

  • Title: Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, Eighth Edition

  • Authors: V. Mark Durand, David H. Barlow, Stefan G. Hofmann

  • Publisher: Cengage, © 2019

Chapter 2: An Integrative Approach to Psychopathology

Outline of Key Topics

  • One-dimensional vs. Multidimensional Models

  • Genetic Contributions

  • Neuroscientific Contributions

  • Behavioral and Cognitive Science

  • Emotions

  • Cultural and Social Factors

  • Lifespan Development

Focus Questions

  • What are the features of unidimensional and multidimensional models of psychopathology?

  • How do genes interact with the environment to influence behavior?

  • How do different brain regions and neurotransmitters influence psychopathology?

  • How do behavioral, emotional, and cognitive sciences influence explanations of mental illness?

  • How do cultural factors affect psychopathology?

One-Dimensional vs. Multidimensional Models

One-Dimensional Models

  • Characteristics:

    • Explain behavior via a single cause.

    • Can represent a specific paradigm or school of thought.

    • Often ignore other influential factors.

    • Example: Attributing obsessive-compulsive disorder solely to family history.

Multidimensional Models

  • Characteristics:

    • Interdisciplinary and integrative approach.

    • Views psychological disorders as a system of various influences.

    • Incorporates biological, psychological, and social factors.

Major Influences in Multidimensional Models

  1. Biological Factors

  2. Behavioral Factors

  3. Emotional Factors

  4. Social and Cultural Factors

  5. Developmental Factors

  6. Environmental Factors

Example: Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia

  • Triggers: Social reactions such as friends and family responses, disruptions in environment (e.g., school suspension).

  • Biological Influences: Inherited conditions affecting blood pressure and heart rate (vasovagal syncope).

  • Emotional and Cognitive Influences: Heightened fear and anxiety reactions.

  • Behavioral Influences: Learned escape and avoidance behaviors in relation to blood.

Genetic Contributions to Psychopathology

  • Key Terms:

    • Phenotype vs. Genotype

    • Nature of Genes: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), 23 pairs of chromosomes, dominance in genetic traits.

    • Development is often polygenetic.

    • Genetic Contribution: Less than 50% in expressing psychopathologies.

Gene-Environment Interactions

  • Eric Kandel's Research: Genetic structure can change due to learning experiences (environmental impacts).

  • Diathesis-Stress Model: Discusses how inherited vulnerabilities can be triggered by stressors.

  • Reciprocal Gene-Environment Model: Outcomes result from the interplay of genetic predispositions and experiences.

  • Epigenetics: Environmental factors can modulate gene expression.

Neuroscientific Contributions to Psychopathology

Nervous System Overview

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises brain and spinal cord.

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes somatic and autonomic branches.

Neuronal Structure

  • Components of Neurons:

    • Soma, Dendrites, Axon, Axon terminals, Synapses.

    • Neurons transmit electrical messages and communicate chemically through neurotransmitters.

Brain Structure Overview

Parts of the Brain

  1. Hindbrain: Manages automatic processes (e.g., heart rate, respiration).

    • Key Structures: Medulla, Pons, Cerebellum.

  2. Midbrain: Coordinates movement with sensory inputs.

  3. Forebrain: Handles most sensory, emotional, and cognitive processing.

    • Involves structures like the limbic system and cerebral cortex (with specific functions assigned to lobes).

Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

  1. Serotonin (5-HT): Involved in mood regulation; dysregulated levels link to depression.

  2. Norepinephrine: Manages bodily responses; involved in the stress response.

  3. Dopamine: Linked to reward, pleasure; can impact depression and ADHD; related to schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.

Implications of Neuroscience for Psychopathology

  • Links between brain structure/function and mental disorders.

  • Psychotherapy, alongside medications, can alter brain structure and function, enhancing treatment effectiveness.

The Role of Emotion in Psychopathology

  • Components of Emotion: Behavior, physiology, and cognition are critical to understanding psychopathology.

  • Emotional dysregulation can adversely affect health outcomes.

Cultural and Social Factors in Psychopathology

  • Cultural influences shape behavior and emotional expression.

  • Social support impacts health and mental wellbeing.

  • Stigma: Contributes to individuals concealing mental health issues and negatively affects treatment-seeking behavior.

Lifespan Developmental Influences

  • Understand changes across development stages

  • Equifinality Principle: Multiple paths can lead to the same outcome concerning mental health issues.

Summary of Multidimensional Perspective of Psychopathology

  • A comprehensive, integrative approach is essential for:

    • Understanding the causes of psychopathology.

    • Improving prevention and treatment strategies.