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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