Models of Abnormality

Question 1

Biological model

Answer 1

• HUMAN GENOME PROJECT- tools of molecular biology are used to map all genes in the body in great detail
• prevent or change genes that cause medical or psychological disorder
• MUTATION -abnormal gene form that emerges by accident

Question 2

Treatment (biological model)

Answer 2

• Psychotropic meds
• ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)
• Psychosurgery/Neurosurgery

Question 3

Psychodynamic model

Answer 3

-deterministic assumption
-relied on case studies
*THERAPIES
-Free association
-Therapist interpretation (resistance, transference, dreams)
-Catharsis
Working through (examine issues over and over)
-Short-term psychodynamic therapy (patients choose a single prob to work on)
-Relational Psychodynamic therapy (therapist should disclose things about themselves, reactions)

Question 4

Behavioral model

Answer 4

• Conditioning: operant. modeling, classical
• Therapies -goal is to identify problem behavior and replace with appropriate ones
• systematic desensitization
• Assessment of model
• can be tested in the lab
• no evidence that people with disorders are victims of improper conditioning

Question 5

Cognitive model

Answer 5

• disturbing assumptions and attitudes; illogical thinking processes
• Therapies
• Cognitive Therapy (Beck)- help clients recognize and challenge negative thoughts, biased interpretations
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy -accept problems rather than judge them
• Assessment of model
• proved to be effective in treating depression, phobia, sexual disorders
• psychologically troubled people’s cognitions could be a result rather than a cause of difficulties; not easy to change mindset

Question 6

Humanistic/Existential Model

Answer 6

-Ability to pursue goals such as self awareness, strong values, meaningful life and freedom of choice
-Humanists, more optimist; Existentialist, meaningful life
*Carl Rogers: pioneer of humanistic perspective
-rooted dysfunction from infancy
-unconditional positive regard, empathy, genuineness
*Gestalt Therapy
-self-recognition and self-acceptance
-challenge and even frustrate clients
Skillful frustration -help people see how they manipulate others to meet needs
Role playing -act out various roles
Rules -Ensure to look at themselves more closely (“I statements”)
*Existential therapy
-dysfunction caused by self-deception
-accept responsibility for their lives and probs
-emphasis on relationship between therapist and client
-weak: abstract issues difficult to research

Question 7

The Socio-cultural model

Answer 7

-abnormal behavior is best understood in light of the broad focus that influence an individual
*Family-Social perspective
-Social labes and roles
-Social networks
-Family systems theory: family as a system who interact with one another constantly and follow rules unique to each family
*Therapy
-Group therapy
-Self-help group (without clinician)
-Family therapy
Structural: change power, structure, roles between members
Conjoint: help members recognize and change harmful patterns of communication
-Couple therapy
-Community treatment

Question 8

Multicultural perspective

Answer 8

• under sociocultural model
• how culture, race, ethnicity, gender, etc, affect behavior and thought
• Therapies
• Culture-sensitive therapy
• Gender-sensitive
• Assessment of model
• difficult to interpret
• inability to predict abnormality in specific individuals

Question 9

Uniformity myth

Answer 9

False belief that all therapies are equivalent despite differences in therapist’s training, experience, etc.

Question 10

Rapprochement Movement

Answer 10

Identify a set of common strategies that run through the work of all effective therapists