Models of AbnormalityEtiology Study of the causal pattern of abnormal behaviorClient KP Father died unexpectedly one year ago Reports feeling “isolated and lonely” Works as a buyer for a large department store after graduating from college Endorses thoughts of being a “failure” because of her “low salary” and lack of a boyfriend or anyclose friends Family history: father had an episode of depression, mother was relatively anxiousThe Biological Model Abnormal behavior is viewed as a physical illness, particularly caused by a malfunctioning brain Neural communication Possible Routes of NT Dysfunction Oversupply or undersupply may relate to: Rate of production Availability in synapse Regulation of use / reuptake Endocrine System Hormones Chemical messengers of the body Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis ▪ implicated in depression & anxiety Genetic Theory: Behavior Genetics Genetic influences on normal/abnormal behavior developmentGenes: units of DNA that carry information about heredityChromosomes: carry genesGenotype: genetic structurePhenotype: expression of interaction between genotype and environment Evolutionary theories: Abnormality caused through mutations in genes▪ Accidental malformation of a gene▪ Or – genes promoting helpful characteristics in our specie’s past are no longer helpful. Viral Infections Mental illness caused by a virus Common Misinterpretations: “If I have a strong family history of X disorder, then I’m bound to have the disorder myself!” “If X disorder has a genetic component, this means that I can’t do anything to prevent it or treat it.” Biological Treatments Psychotropic medications Anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) e.g. Xanax, Valium Antidepressants e. g. Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil Mood stabilizers e.g. Lithium Antipsychotics e.g. Haldol, Risperidol Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Neurosurgery Biological Approach to KP History of depression in family suggests genetic pre-disposition Antidepressant medications to treat severe symptoms (e.g., appetite disturbances, sleepdisturbances, and incapacitating sadness)Psychodynamic Paradigm Abnormal behavior caused by unconscious conflict deterministic view – there are no accidents! Sigmund Freud Hysteria: Psychological conflict converted to physical symptoms (not faking!) Conflicts between id, ego, and superego result in anxiety Ego defense mechanisms: Examples: denial, rationalization, sublimation Defense Mechanisms – some examples Developmental Stages Each stages introduces challenges requiring adjustment of the id, ego, or superego No adjustment à Fixation = stuck in that stage Oral – first 18 months Anal – 18 months to 3 years Phallic – 3-5 years Latency – 5-12 years Genital – 12 years - adulthood Therapy Procedures Free association Therapist interpretation Resistance, transference, and dreams Catharsis Working through Today A number of different types of psychodynamic treatments All based on the notion that functioning is shaped by interacting psychological forces Psychodynamic Approach to KP Difficulties stem from conflicts in early life & unconscious guilt about feeling angry towards her father’s abandonment Treatment would focus on confronting her feelings of grief and her early relationship with her parentsBehavioral Model Abnormal behavior caused by one’s learning history Classical Conditioning (Pavlov) Operant Conditioning (Skinner) Modeling and Observational Learning (Bandura) Classical Conditioning Learning about the associations of stimuli One way phobias may be formed Pavlov’s dogs Conditioned emotional response E.g. fear, anxiety Generalization Involved in phobia creation Extinction Involved in treating a phobia Operant Conditioning Learning is based on consequences of behavior Punishment, reinforcement Can help therapist understand how unhealthy behaviors formed and be used to increase the frequency of healthier behaviors ModelingAlbert Bandura Learn by imitating others Bobo Doll Study Application of Behavioral Techniques Systematic desensitization Developed SUDS (Subjective Units of Distress Scale) Fear Hierarchy Behavioral Approach to KP Problems due to early learning patterns Focus on interpersonal skills and communication (e.g., assertiveness training)Cognitive Model Information processing perspective Stimulus à *processing à output Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck, plus others Focuses on thoughts or beliefs as causing or maintaining psychological symptoms Treatment in Cognitive Therapies Discussion and challenging of irrational thoughts, identifying overgeneralizations or potential distortions Reality / evidence based – NOT just positive thinking Third-wave Approaches Mindfulness Acceptance and commitment Cognitive Approach to KP Identify automatic thoughts/irrational beliefs that lead to feelings of unhappiness Use cognitive restructuring – challenge in order to change her views of herself, the world, and her futureHumanistic-Existential Model Behavior is product of free will Positive view of human nature Drive to self-actualization – to fulfill potential for goodness and growth (Maslow) Need to recognize weaknesses and strengths Abnormality = Conditions of worth Features of Humanistic / Client-Centered Approach Unconditional positive regard for the client Accurate empathy – skillful listening and restatement Genuineness – sincere communicationOther treatments to review Gestalt SpiritualSociocultural Model Family-Social Theories Multicultural Family-Social Theories Societal labels and roles Rosenhan (1973) study Social networks and supports People without social support “crack” faster under stress Family Systems Family members interact with one another following rules unique to each family Structural & communication patterns à force people to behave in ways that otherwise seem abnormal Enmeshed Disengagement Forms of Treatment Group therapy Self-help group Family therapy Couples/marital therapy Community mental healthMulticultural Theories Cultural-sensitive therapies Gender sensitive therapies
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