Download The Psychology of Dysfunctional Behaviour Introduction This area of

The Psychology of Dysfunctional Behaviour
Introduction
This area of psychology is concerned with the understanding and treatment of
dysfunctional behaviours. It investigates the issues of identifying individuals with
dysfunctional behaviour and the strategies related to changing such behaviour. Anxiety
disorders, schizophrenia and affective disorders are three examples of dysfunctional
behaviours that have received attention from psychologists and psychiatrists.
An important starting point is the examination of concepts such as “normality”,
“abnormality” and “mental illness”. Psychologists working in this area have developed a
range of explanations for the development of dysfunctional behaviours by focusing on, for
example, biological, cognitive, and environmental factors. Since the definition of
“abnormality” has important implications for the treatments offered, these are examined from
the biological, cognitive, and learning perspectives, in addition to the humanistic and
psychodynamic perspectives.
Students studying this option should develop an increased awareness of the
controversial nature of the psychology of dysfunctional behaviour, along with an appreciation
of its ethical considerations.
Learning outcomes
Students should expect questions asking them to:
1. describe and evaluate relevant theories and empirical studies related to the psychology
of dysfunctional behaviour
2. explain, where appropriate, how cultural, ethical, gender and methodological
considerations may affect the interpretation of dysfunctional behaviour
3. describe and evaluate approaches to treatments for dysfunctional behaviour
4. discuss the diagnosis and classification of dysfunctional behaviour
5. analyse the etiology and treatment of dysfunctional behaviours
6. describe and evaluate different concepts and models of dysfunctional behaviour.
See chart below
Content
Suggestions for detailed study
Concepts, models and
theories in dysfunctional
behaviour
The concepts of “normality” and
“abnormality”
• limitations in definitions of “normality” and “abnormality”
• definition of “dysfunctional”
• historical and cultural considerations in the concepts of
“normality” and “abnormality”
Models and theories of
dysfunctional behaviour,
including basic assumptions
• medical model and the concept of “mental illness”
• behavioural, cognitive, humanistic or psychodynamic
theories of dysfunctional behaviour
• social and environmental theories, such as the diathesisstress model
Diagnosis and classificatory
systems
Classificatory systems and
diagnosis
Description and etiologies of
specific dysfunctional
behaviours
Treatments
Approaches to treatment
Evaluation of treatment
• purpose and functions of diagnosis
• usefulness of classificatory systems
• gender, cultural and ethical considerations inthe
diagnostic process
• disorders such as:
anxiety disorders
schizophrenia
affective disorders
• biological treatments, such as psychosurgery,
electroconvulsive therapy and drug treatments
• directive psychological therapies, such as those based
on the behavioural, psychodynamic, and cognitive
perspectives
• non-directive psychological therapies, such as those
based on the humanistic perspective
• eclectic approach
• effectiveness of treatment in helping people with
dysfunctional behaviours
• ethical considerations