Models of Abnormality - Lecture Notes

Models of Abnormality 2 THE SIX MODELS OF ABNORMALITY The Six Models of Abnormality Introduction Abnormal psychology is defined as, “A division of psychology that analyzes people who are “abnormal” or “atypical” compared to the other members of a given society” (McLeod, 2018). Otherwise put, analyzes members who fall outside of typical or common boundaries. The foundation of abnormal psychology focuses on the four D’s being deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. There are specific indicators for what professionals identify as abnormal and various methods on how to handle those abnormalities. This can be demonstrated in psychology through various models. Six different models will be examined which include, biological, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic-existential, sociocultural, and developmental psychopathology perspective (Comer, 2014). This essay will cover the six models of abnormality as well as examples of how they are applied in/to treatment. Six Models of Abnormality Biological. The medical/biological model of psychopathology supposes that disorders have an organic or physical cause. The focus of this method is on inheritances, neurotransmitters, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, and so forth. For example, as far as the biochemistry aspect goes, the dopamine hypothesis argues that raised levels of dopamine are linked to symptoms of schizophrenia (McLeod, 2018). This method also argues that mental disorders are associated to the physical make-up and performance of the brain. For example, differentiations in the brain make-up (abnormalities in the frontal and pre-frontal cortex, inflamed ventricles) have been known in people with schizophrenia (McLeod, 2018). Mental illnesses can be heritable from the genetic factors that make up chromosomes in the cells of an 3 THE SIX MODELS OF ABNORMALITY individual. The genes gather together and trigger behaviors and reactions that are proficient or dysfunctional. Genes that might have experienced more resiliency in prior generations can now trigger individuals to be more vulnerable to suspicions, diseases, and mental displays (Comer, 2014). To better explain this, an example of this would be a biologic inconsistency in the body because of the hormones that are present in the blood, freed by glands in the endocrine system (Comer, 2014). The interaction for this task would originate from the neurotransmitters in the brain in reaction to such situations as, anxiety, development, reproduction, sexual interest, heart rate, heat control, and vitality (Comer, 2014). If there are any abnormalities in the excretions of these hormones, in which control all of these reactions may lead to concern and attitude conditions. The treatment for this would be an evaluation by a professional in order to figure out the best treatment options. The individual’s past would be supervised on the foundation of performances and any hereditary tendency for abnormalities. Various types of treatment used are: substance rehabilitation, brain stimulus, and psychosurgery (Comer, 2014). Dependent on the difficulty of the findings, the best treatment will be chosen (Comer, 2014). But there are also flaws to this model due to the fact that it can misguide that every abnormal behavior has a biological rational for them (Comer, 2014). Psychodynamic. This model is established on Freud’s beliefs that abnormality came from the psychological triggers rather than the physical triggers and that unsolved struggles between the id, ego and superego can all add to abnormality (McLeod, 2018). This dynamic manifests, then appears as behavior, feelings, and reactions (Comer, 2014). The abnormality lies in the discrepancy between those surfaces. According to this model, a person would be considered a person in discrepancy. An individual’s history is greatly evaluated because those discrepancies are connected to distressing encounters or immediate experience in childhood. 4 THE SIX MODELS OF ABNORMALITY Within this model no behavior or performance is coincidental (Comer, 2014). An example of this would be defense mechanisms in individuals that begun due to absence in the developing stages. These might present as any combination of the four D’s by evident actions. Treatment intended in this model incorporate idea association, counselor analysis, liberation, and working through what is going on. Both temporary psychodynamic treatments and interpersonal psychoanalytical treatments are offered (Comer, 2014). Cognitive-behavioral. In this model, it highlights on the views and performance that individuals show and experience. This model also studies the bond amongst the views and behaviors, and how they influence one another (Comer, 2014). Originally the model comes from the study of behavior. Say that an abnormal behavior is absorbed and then modifies the individual’s performance and thought, this can be trained in an opposite manor as well as being trained into behaviors and views that work collectively for an overall betterment. But this was not effective. It was later studied that human beings also expect and transform through cognitive action (Comer, 2014). Overtime the model shifted into "cognitive-behavioral", in which treatments realized opposing behaviors and dysfunctional thinking (Comer, 2014). At that point conditioning was restricted to produce composite forms. Consequently, these are used as approaches within this model for treatment (Comer, 2014). This incorporates classical conditioning, demonstrating, and operant conditioning (Comer, 2014). Classical conditioning includes reaction to what may be the cause of mental conflicts. Modeling includes watching and observing of the surroundings and reformation of those exact behaviors. Operant conditioning includes the influence of penalties. This can be used either positively or negatively to deliver the skill that is necessary for the condition of the individual. 5 THE SIX MODELS OF ABNORMALITY Humanistic-existential. Human existence is the foundation for this model. Independence and free will lies inside that existence and exposes many harmful or helpful natures in life that can hinder an individual. Below the framework of humanistic, it is perceived that humans are born with natural tendencies and are driven to be self-aware. Strengths and weaknesses both offer a realization and acceptance to the individual. Humans can then cultivate their foundation for morality. Humans are not naturally born with the awareness for a meaningful life, according to the humanistic existential view. Seeking cowardness leads to the consequence of a dysfunctional life (Comer, 2014). An example of this would be a lack of self-actualization due to childhood value. Therefore, the induvial may struggle with self-worth. This can also be seen deeply in struggles with worry about identity or image. This usually stems from expectation or lack of praise during childhood. Treatments for this include but are not limited to: client-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, religious understandings or interventions, and existential therapy (Comer, 2014). Sociocultural. Social forces, civilization, linguistic, interaction, ethics, and communication are studied within this model. These factors are then analyzed by the effect they have on a person's performance, their views, and feelings. This assessment involves an evaluation of the individual and where they fit into society. Family-social perspective and multicultural perspective make up this model dynamic (Comer, 2014). In the family-social perspective it includes family associations, community congregations, and social relations. Which relates to the direct influence the forces have. These forces impact normal and abnormal behaviors. This model considers labels in civilization, support organizations, home settings, connection building, closeness, and social appearance (Comer, 2014). Societal factors are altering the therapy dynamic and what society is doing from a pharmaceutical standpoint. Family 6 THE SIX MODELS OF ABNORMALITY norms are more diverse than they ever have been before. Civilization is required to negotiate and/or identify stresses such as addictions, codependency, physical abuse, misconduct, social standing, socio-economic status, technology, interaction, supernatural events, warfare, etc. (Comer, 2014). These pressures are causing adjustments in psychiatric treatment and conditions that individuals now present with. The DSM V now acknowledges and treats addictions that were non-existent in prior manuals (Strayvynski, O’Connor, 1995). This model operates from the dynamics of socialism including group therapy, personal therapy, couple therapy, etc. (Comer, 2014). Sociocultural model also suggests considerations for diverse undercurrents including treatments such as, culture-sensitive treatments, sex sensitive, and feminist treatments (Comer, 2014). Developmental psychopathology perspective. Mental illness diagnoses are not like medicinal methods because they do not present and advance in the same way that a physical illness does. The indications differ with mental illnesses and everybody behaves differently and has various reasons for the process (Strayvynski, O’Connor, 1995). Each virtue of abnormality cannot be conveyed with a justification of just one model. Each of the models are mingled by professionals in order to create the most efficient results for individuals’ who battle with abnormal behaviors. Various models are used with another, just like there are diverse kinds of treatments for other disorders. Each part of the biological, psychological, and sociocultural reason for a more in depth understanding and variety of methods to treatment for every person that is dealing with mental hardship. Each model has its own perspective on where the origin of dysfunction lies and what fundamental curative skills are valuable for intervention. One individual does not fit into just one type, so the tactic to mix models is for successful results in recovery (Comer, 2014). 7 THE SIX MODELS OF ABNORMALITY Conclusion The six models of abnormality examined throughout this paper are the fundamentals and opportunity to treatment for abnormal psychology. Each of the six models support those who need professional help and have a medical need due to distress, deviance, dysfunction, and danger.