Theoretical Perspectives in Abnormal Psychology

Theoretical Perspectives in Abnormal Psychology

• Abnormal psychology examines human behavior and psychological disorders.
• Orientation to understanding cases of human behavior and treatment of psychological disorders.
• Biopsychosocial influences: Perspectives on interplay between familial inheritance, individual experiences, and environmental factors.
• Biological perspective: Assumes disturbances in emotions, behavior, and cognition are caused by issues in the nervous system and genetics. Focuses on the roles of the nervous system and genetics.
• Neurotransmitters are chemical substances released from a neuron into the synapse, absorbed by the receiving neuron.
• Different neurotransmitters are linked with various psychological disorders.
• Psychotherapeutic medications, like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), can alter neurotransmitter levels, potentially reducing symptoms of psychological disorders.

Role of Genetics

• Genes are instructions for forming proteins within cells.
• Genes control the production of neurotransmitters.
• Genotype is an organism's complete genetic makeup.
• Discussion of the role of genetics, including an overview of the interplay between genotype and phenotype, is included for a thorough study of the given text.

Brain Structure

• Cerebral Cortex enables planning, reasoning.
• Limbic System regulates emotions, expressions, and impulses.
• Basal Ganglia controls motor functions and behaviors (e.g., tics, obsessive-compulsive disorder).

Psychodynamic Perspective

• Psychodynamic perspective emphasizes the role of unconscious determinants.
• Sigmund Freud developed this theory related to the structure of the mind, including id, ego, and superego.

Defense Mechanisms

• Defense mechanisms are tactics to keep unacceptable thoughts, instincts, and feelings out of conscious awareness.
• Examples include Displacement, Intellectualization, Reaction Formation, Repression, Denial, Projection, Sublimation, and Regression.
• Understanding defense mechanisms helps define the concepts discussed.

Applied Behavior Analysis

• Scientific application of learning principles to enhance well-being.
• Emphasizes a functional approach to behavior, analyzing ABCs (Antecedents, Behaviors, Consequences).
• Important for understanding the reasons behind behaviors.
• Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) identifies reasons behind behavior.

Social Learning and Cognition

• Social learning explains behaviors through overt behaviors, cognitive mediators, observational (vicarious) learning, and self-efficacy.

Cognitive Perspective

• Assumes abnormality arises from maladaptive thought processes.
• Dysfunctional attitudes, negative beliefs about the self, cause difficulties and negative behaviors.
• Automatic thoughts are product of dysfunctional attitudes.

Acceptance-Based Perspective

• Uses behavioral and cognitive strategies.
• Mindfulness brings present-moment awareness with judgment-free observations.
• Biopsychosocial Perspectives: Integrative approach integrating various models for treatment.

Test 1 Review

• Test 1 format: 1-hour, 50 multiple-choice questions on concepts covered in lecture and Connect.
• Study emphasis is placed on identifying key content for understanding the concepts described in the provided text.

Causes of Abnormal Behavior

• Biological factors include genetic inheritance, physiological changes, and exposure to toxins.
• Psychological factors include past experiences, maladaptive thought patterns, and coping mechanisms.
• Sociocultural aspects include social pressures, discrimination, and stigma.

Reliability and Validity

• Reliability measures diagnostic consistency across individuals with similar symptoms.
• Validity ensures the diagnostic tool accurately characterizes a person's psychological condition.