Explaining Abnormal Behaviors

Mental Disorders
Chapter 12


Explaining Abnormal Behaviors


I The medical model says abnormal behavior is caused by physical/biological illness or at least it could be understood in the same way a physical illness is understood.
II The psychological perspectives are based on intangible processes of the mind interacting with the environment.
A. psychodynamic perspective says abnormal behavior is the result of unconscious conflict about sex and aggression. (Psycho = Freud = sex/aggression)
B. behavioral perspective says abnormal behavior is the result of of learning.
C. cognitive perspective says abnormal behavior is the result of irrational or counter productive thinking. (have to judge if their perspective is rational or irrational) Cognitive = how you see things. Perception is everything in cognitive psychology. (keys jangling in a parking lot are normal to one person, scary to another)
D. humanistic/existential perspective believes that abnormality is a failure to take responsibility for one’s own life. (excuse abuse)
E. Interpersonal perspective says abnormality is a product of disordered relationships.
F. Sociocultural perspective says abnormality is a product of social forces and biases. (see defenses against guilt & anxiety handout)

*Must determine if a physical/biological, personality, or mental disorder. Physical disorders need medications.