Causal Factors and Viewpoints in Abnormal Psychology This Chapter Will Explore the Causal Factors and Viewpoints of the Development and Maintenance of Abnormal Behavior. It Is Important to Have an Understanding of These for Prevention and Treatment of Abnormal and Maladaptive Behavior
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Causal Factors and Viewpointsin Abnormal Psychology
This Chapter Will Explore the Causal Factors and Viewpoints of the Development and Maintenance of Abnormal Behavior. It Is Important to Have an Understanding of These for Prevention and Treatment of Abnormal and Maladaptive Behavior
Causes and Risk Factors
The Causes and Risk Factors are Multiple Etiology (causal pattern underlying behavior)
Linear (A causes B causes C etc.) Circular (Both A and B are reciprocal in their
cause. )
A B
Diathesis Stress Models
According to Diathesis-Stress Models, the cause of abnormal behavior can be view viewed as combination of two types of factors: Diathesis- previous biological and environmental factors that
predispose an individual towards developing a disorder. Stress-trigger that taxes or exceeds the individuals personal
resource and results in abnormal behavior.
Protective Factors- influences that modify a person’s response to an environmental stressor, making it less likely less likely that the person will experience the adverse effects of the stressor
Resilience- ability to adapt successfully to very difficult circumstances
Developmental Psychopathology
Models or Viewpoints for Understanding Abnormal Behavior
The value of viewpoints Organize observations, provide a system of
thought, and suggest areas of research, focus, and treatment.
Blind us until paradigm shifts (Freud) Current Viewpoint in Psychology Is
Multidimensional, Eclectic, and Integrative Biopsychosocial viewpoint- an integrative
approach that acknowledges that biological, psychosocial, and sociocultural factors all interact and play a role in psychopathology and treatment.
The Biological Viewpoint & Causal Factors
Biological Viewpoints and Causal Factors Include the Following General Areas:
Neurotransmitter and Hormonal Imbalances Genetic Vulnerabilities Constitutional Liabilities Brain Dysfunction and Neural Plasticity Physical Deprivation or Disruption
Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Neurotransmitter
imbalances Synapse
Neurotransmitter
Hormonal Imbalances
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Genetic Vulnerabilities
Cell-Nucleus-Chromosomes-DNA Meiosis (germ cells and crossover)
Germ cell can result in 8 million combinations Therefore over 64 trillion combinations are
possibleMitosis (cell division)
Chromosomal
AbnormalitiesDowns Syndrome
Trisomy-21
Genetic Vulnerabilities
Genotype- a person’s total genetic endowment Phenotype- the observed structural and functional
characteristics that result from the interaction of a person’s genotype and the environment The genotypic vulnerability may not be expressed
in the phenotype until later in life (schizophrenia) Genotype-Environment Correlation- phenomenon
whereby a person’s genotype can shape her environmental experiences
Genotype-Environment Interaction- differential sensitivity or susceptibility to their environments among people having different genotypes
Methods for Studying Genetic Influences
The pedigree (family history) method Greater incidence in a family would indicate
genetics The twin method (monozygotic)
Same genes should result in both having same disorder if it is genetic
The adoption method Biological parents of individuals who have
given disorder are traced and compared with biological parents of individuals without the disorder.
Constitutional Liabilities
Constitutional Liability- any detrimental characteristic that is either innate or acquired so early and in such strength that it is functionally similar to a genetic characteristic
Physical handicaps Temperament
Involves not only reactivity but also characteristic ways of self-regulation
Biological basis of personality Results from both genetic and prenatal/
postnatal environments
Brain Dysfunction and Neural Plasticity: Developmental Systems Approach
Brain development is based on genetic programming and the environment.
(eg) Rats raised in enriched environment
Developmental Systems Approach
Physical Deprivation or Disruption
Deprivation of the basic physiological needs Sleep Diet Over Working Oneself
Stimulation and Activity Enriched Environments
Promote Neural
Development
The Psychosocial Viewpoints
Psychodynamic Perspectives Freud Object Relations Theory
Our Views of the World and of Ourselves Schema- an organized representation of prior knowledge
about a concept or about some stimulus that helps guide the processing of current information
Schemas about people, social roles, etc. Self-schema- our views of what we are, what we might
become, and what is important to us. Not completely based in “reality”
Assimilation- process of working new experiences into existing cognitive frameworks (schemas) even if the new information has to be reinterpreted or distorted to make it fit
Accommodation- process of changing existing cognitive frameworks to make possible the incorporation of discrepant information.
We Prefer Predictability and Controllability
Psychosocial Causal Factors
Early Deprivation or Trauma How would each viewpoint discussed earlier
describe possible effects of deprivation and trama?
Institutionalization More positive outcomes when moved to a
harmonious home Less enriched environment and lack of
emotional/physical contact are harmful to biological, personality, social development
Negative correlation between time spent in an institution and healthy development
Psychosocial Causal Factors
Deprivation and Abuse in the Home Failure to Thrive Syndrome Increased Aggression Emotional and Social Problems Anxiety and Depression Disorganized or Disoriented Attachment Style Decreases in IQ Self-Injurious Behavior
Negative effects can decrease when environment improves
Effects of divorce on parents Effects of divorce on children
Psychosocial Causal Factors
Maladaptive peer relationships Popularity versus rejection
The Sociocultural Viewpoint
Cross-cultural studies Cultural differences in which disorders
develop and how they are experienced Culture and undercontrolled behavior Culture and overcontrolled behavior
Sociocultural Causal Factors
The sociocultural environment
Sociocultural Causal Factors
Pathogenic societal influences Socioeconomic status Unemployment Disorder-engendering social roles Prejudice and discrimination Social change and uncertainty
UNRESOLVED ISSUES
Advantages of having a theoretical viewpoint
The eclectic approach The biopsychosocial, unified approach