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UNIT I STUDY GUIDE Introduction to Abnormal Psychology Learning Objectives Reading Assignment Chapter 1: Introduction and Methods of Research Chapter 2: Contemporary Perspectives on Abnormal Behavior Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to: 1. Identify and explain the criteria used for determining abnormality. 2. Discuss the evolution of historical perspectives on abnormal psychology. 3. Describe the research methods used in abnormal psychology. 4. Explain the role of the nervous system in the development of abnormal behavior. 5. Compare and contrast the biological, psychological, sociocultural, and biopsychosocial perspectives of abnormal behavior. 6. Compare the psychodynamic, behaviorist, humanistic, and cognitive models. Learning Activities (Non-Graded) Written Lecture See information below. Welcome to Abnormal Psychology! Key Terms This week’s unit will introduce the basics of abnormal psychology. The topics covered during this unit form the foundation you will need for understanding abnormal behavior. These include defining abnormal behavior and reviewing the different psychological theories used to understand abnormal behavior. 1. Autonomic nervous system 2. Behaviorism 3. Biopsychosocial model 4. Case study 5. Central nervous system 6. Correlational method 7. Dependent variables 8. Diathesis-stress model 9. Epidemiological studies 10. Experimental method 11. Independent variables 12. Longitudinal study 13. Medical model 14. Naturalistic observation 15. Neurotransmitter 16. Parasympathetic nervous system 17. Peripheral nervous system PSY 2010, Abnormal Psychology What is abnormal behavior? Current views on what constitutes abnormal behavior focus on (1) what is accepted socially, and (2) behavior that impairs an individual’s ability to function socially and occupationally. Unusual behaviors, such as seeing “ghosts” or hearing voices, are not common. In most cultures this is considered abnormal. However, this may not be the case in all cultures. For instance, take the case of Martha who claims she hears the voices of dead spirits or ghosts when she is participating in the religious rituals of Santeria. Martha does not demonstrate any functional impairment and seeks treatment after having difficulties adjusting due to a divorce. Would you consider hearing voices during a religious ceremony a problem that needs addressing in treatment? The answer to this question is likely, no. What is considered abnormal behavior can vary depending on cultural norms and beliefs. Therefore, judging behavior as abnormal based solely on your cultural experience may pathologize behavior that is not truly abnormal. Theories of abnormal behavior There are several different perspectives in psychology on abnormal behavior. Let us review some of the main principles of each perspective. Biological: This perspective suggests abnormal behavior is the result of physiological problems. For instance, decreased levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin have been linked to depression. 1 18. 19. 20. 21. Psychoanalytic theory Psychodynamic model Scientific method Social causation model 22. Social-cognitive theory 23. Somatic nervous system 24. Sympathetic nervous system Psychological: In this perspective, abnormal behavior is associated with psychological issues. There are several important models in this perspective that we will review later. Sociocultural: Abnormal behavior as understood from this perspective arises out of social factors. The emphasis is on the role of society instead of the individual. Socioeconomic levels, ethnicity and race, and gender are seen as factors that must be considered when evaluating abnormal behavior. Biopsychosocial: This perspective views the roots of abnormal behavior as stemming from biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Psychological models of abnormal behavior Psychodynamic: The roots of abnormal behavior are seen as stemming from unconscious processes. Sigmund Freud is credited with developing this perspective. He suggested psychological problems can be traced back to unresolved conflicts from childhood. Case example: Alex enters counseling for a substance abuse disorder. During therapy, Alex reveals he was abused and neglected by his mother when he was a child. The therapist uses the psychodynamic perspective to conceptualize his substance abuse disorder and determines Alex’s substance abuse disorder is a result of interruptions to the oral stage of development. Neglect and abuse did not allow Alex to successfully complete this stage of development, and therefore, he became fixated. Unresolved conflicts resulting from the abuse remained in his unconscious and are affecting his ability to function currently. Learning: According to this perspective, abnormal behavior is learned through classical or operant conditioning. Case example: Tommy gets arrested for assaulting another man at a bar. He is sentenced to jail time and probation. One of his conditions of probation is to attend counseling. A review of Tommy’s criminal record reveals a long history of violent crimes, mostly involving assaults on others. During therapy, the counselor learns that Tommy’s father also had a long history of criminal arrests. His father is currently in prison for murder. The counselor determines that Tommy’s aggressive behavior was learned through modeling his father. Humanistic: Carl Rogers is best known for his contributions to this model. He believed abnormal behavior related to poor concepts of self. This distorted view of one’s self impedes individuals from attaining self-actualization. Case example: Janet is currently in treatment for depression. During therapy, she learns that her poor self-esteem is inhibiting her ability to develop and attain life goals. This in turn makes her feel worse about herself perpetuating her poor self-esteem and self-concept. Cognitive: Abnormal behavior is a result of faulty cognitions, or thoughts, about oneself. Attitudes and beliefs affect how one feels and how a person behaves. For instance, individuals with depression exhibit self-defeating and selfdeprecating thoughts. Case example: Jonathan is hospitalized for a suicide attempt. He reveals to his psychiatrist that he believes he is worthless and will only fail at anything he tries to do. The psychiatrist determines that Jonathan’s self-defeating thoughts are affecting how he feels, which, in turn are affecting his behavior. Research methods in the study of abnormal behavior Psychologists study abnormal behavior using several research methods. Some examples include case studies, experimental methods, correlational studies, and naturalistic observations. One of the most notable research methods includes PSY 2010, Abnormal Psychology 2 kinship studies. These types of studies look at twins and adoptees to determine whether abnormal behavior stems from genetic or environmental factors. Current views suggest it may be the combination of both that can best explain abnormal behavior. Optional/Additional Resource Take a moment to read this additional article that discusses developing perspectives regarding mental health. Novoteny, A. (2010). Appreciating differences: The burgeoning science of intersectionality is adding to the understanding of how our multiple identities affect mental health. Retrieved on May 29, 2011, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2010/10/differences.aspx Learning Activities (Non-Graded) Fill-in-the Blank Activity. This activity is non-graded, but allows you a chance to “test” your knowledge about the key terms of this unit. The answers for the activity are located at the end of the activity. Fill in the Blank Activity PSY 2010, Abnormal Psychology 3