Download Introduction to Abnormal Psychology Learning Objectives Written

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.
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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
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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
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