Chapter 3: Models of Abnormality Flashcards
(34 cards)
Biological model states
that abnormal behavior is brought about by malfunctioning parts in brain anatomy or chemistry
Brain anatomy and abnormal behavior
researchers have discovered connections between certain psychological disorders and problems in specific areas of the brain
What disease has been traced to a loss of cells in the basil ganglia and cortex of the brain?
Huntington’s Disease, this would be an example of illness due to problems in the brain anatomy
Brain chemistry and abnormal behavior
abnormal activity by certain neurotransmitters can lead to specific mental disorders as well as abnormal chemical activity in the body’s endocrine system
Depression is linked to what?
Low activity of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine
Anxiety and mood disorders have been linked to what?
abnormal secretions of cortisol in the adrenal glands
Why do some people have brain structures or biochemical activities that differ from the norm? What is the source of these biological abnormalities?
Genetics, evolution, viral infections
Genetics and biological abnormalities
states that specific genes are passed down that cause the biological abnormalities
examples are schizophrenia, mood disorders, etc.
Evolution and biological abnormalities
controversial, not very supported by other scientists, but theorist’s state that specific human reactions that were keen to survival have been passed down throughout generations and are what cause disorder
for instance, fear is said to have been keen to survival for ancestor’s, the ones who survived reproduced and fear was passed down and now this plays out in anxiety disorder and such like this
Viral infections
over the past decade, viral infections have sometimes been linked to anxiety, depressive and bipolar disorders
Exposure to influenza or related viruses during pregnancy has been related to…
schizophrenia, it is said that lay dorment in baby until adolescent years where it plays out in schizophrenia
Assessing biological model
strengths: constantly producing good and valuable information, has actual relief for disorders
weaknesses: can limit rather than enhance understanding because it leaves out social factors and psychological factors, treatments do not work for everyone
Psychodynamic model (oldest and most popular)
based on the belief that a person’s behavior is determined largely by their unconscious (sigmund freud)
states that internal forces are dynamic, and when these forces become in conflict, this gives rise to abnormal behaviors, thoughts, emotions.
Sigmund Freud helped to shape what model?
the psychodynamic model. When working with beruer on hypnotism, they found that hypnosis allowed people to talk about past traumatic experiences which led to them being healed (Patient Anna O.) Off of this, Freud developed the psychoanalytic theory.
Freud’s 3 central forces
Freud believed that there were 3 internal, unconscious, dynamic forces that shaped our identities and actions.
ID, ego and superego
Ego
reality principle
we cannot always act on our ID impulses, so it guides us to when we can and cannot express ID impulses
- ego defense mechanisms such as repression to control impulses
Superego
morality principle
we unconsciously learn from parent’s values to develop a conscience
How do Freud’s 3 psychodynamic stages explain dysfunction?
These 3 internal stages should work together, however, if they get out of a healthy conflict to which it is excessive, there is a dysfunction.
Developmental Stages
each stage of development brought changes in id, ego and superego. If we don’t make it successfully through each stage, we get fixated which hinder all future development and this leads to psychological abnormalities such as depression
Psychodynamic vs. Freud
people thought he focused on sex too much but agreed with some of his basic ideas. The Vienna Psychoanalytic Society split because of their differences and shaped their own theories.
ego theorists, self theorists, object-relations theorists
Therapist Interpretation
the therapist listens, draws conclusions and shares interpretations when they believe patient is ready to hear them
3 types: resistance- patients show resistance because topic is too hard to talk about
transference- when patient acts and feels toward the therapist as they did or do toward important persons in their lives, parents, siblings, spouses
Dreams: therapist interprets manifest content to latent content
Catharsis
reliving past repressed feelings to settle internal conflicts
working through
examining the same issues over and over in the course of many sessions, each time with greater clarity
contemporary trends
short-term: work on a single issue and find the underlying issue to that one problem
relational: you as a therapist become part of therapy and tell your reactions
