Psy 205 Models Of Abnormality Research Paper

Julie Brown
Models of Abnormality
PSYC 205
Shadia Ibrahim
June 20, 2014

Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not underlie a mental disorder. There are several models used to explain the nature and treatment of mental illness. A model is a set of assumptions and concepts that help scientists explain and interpret observations. Over the past half-century, improvements in clinical research has resulted in the shifts of values and beliefs in some models. All the models attempt to explain the causes and cures for all psychological illnesses, and all from a different approach. Through the centuries, approaches have developed and there are many
models for explaining why a person may display abnormal behavior including the biological, psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, behavioral, and cognitive and the sociocultural approach.
All models are unique and similar to each other, but the biological model and psychodynamic model seem to be the most extreme when compared to each other. The biological model takes on more of a medical perspective, it takes its roots in human biological or genetic makeup. The main focus of the biological approach is the brain and how psychological abnormality stems from malfunctioning parts of the person. The psychodynamic model, the oldest model, has a completely different approach than that of the biological model. The psychodynamic model states that a person 's behavior is the result of underlying dynamic psychological forces, whether they are independent or interactive. A conflict between these dynamic forces is what causes abnormal behavior. Freud, the founder of the psychodynamic model, believed that it was an unconscious conflict between three forces: the id, ego, and superego. The biological model and the
psychodynamic model take very different approaches on understanding thoughts and emotions. The biological model is a popular one in modern psychology, and there are many reasons why. For one thing, it 's a very scientific way of looking at problems. Brain scans and other forms of technology allow psychologists to see what is happening in a patient 's head. Supporters of the medical model consequently consider symptoms to be outward signs of the inner physical disorder and believe that if symptoms are grouped together and classified into a syndrome, the true cause can eventually be discovered and appropriate physical treatment administered. The implication of this model for treatment is that it is possible to cure the patient by changing their biological processes. There are three suitable treatments; electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), drugs and psychosurgery. “Biological explanations may be structural (e.g., problems in brain structures), biochemical (e.g., neurotransmitter imbalance), or genetic (e.g., presence of certain genetic markers associated with psychological disorders).”( Hartmann P. The Five-Factor Model: Psychometric, biological and practical perspectives). Technology for studying the nervous system and brain has grown tremendously advanced with access to tools such as PET and MRI scans making the biological perspective in psychology increasingly important. “Many biopsychologists have concentrated on abnormal behavior and have tried to explain it in physiological terms. For example, they believe that schizophrenia is affected by levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter).” ( Hartmann P. The Five-Factor Model: Psychometric, biological and practical perspectives). The brain is composed of 100 billion nerve cells called neurons and thousands of billions of support cells called glia. Within the brain, large groups of neurons form distinct areas called brain regions. “Researchers have identified dozens of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Studies indicate that abnormal activity in certain neurotransmitters can lead to a specific mental disorder. Examples: depression (serotonin and norepinephrine) and anxiety (GABA).” (Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 20 June 2014). Strengths of the biological model is that it is a respected model in the field of abnormal psychology, new information and treatments are constantly being produced and the use of drugs to treat certain illnesses brings relief to patients. The psychodynamic model of psychology is the oldest and most famous of the modern psychological models.
In this model, psychological issues are seen as springing from repressed emotions and events. This model was formulated by Sigmund Freud who conducted experiments on hypnosis and hysterical illnesses. Freud believed that three central forces shape a person’s personality. The forces are the id, ego and the superego. Freud believed that what we consciously think and feel is only a small fraction of our actual thoughts and emotions. There are some things on the surface that we could see and talk about, but there were a whole lot more beneath, in our subconscious. Freud believed that many of our problems today were actually caused by things that happened long ago. Freud believed that what happened in our childhood could have a profound impact on our subconscious. This ignores the biological components of some problems. There are some studies that show there is a biological or genetic predisposition towards addiction. Other mental illnesses, from depression to schizophrenia, also have biological or genetic components. The psychodynamic model does not acknowledge or address biology or genetics. Another problem with the psychodynamic model is that it depends on therapist interpretation. “For example, perhaps your mother was an alcoholic, but maybe her behavior didn 't influence you as much as the fact that you like the taste of beer or the peer pressure you get from your
friends. Because the therapist has to make inferences, or guesses, about what the root of the problem is, there are many chances for the therapist to be wrong.”(Gottdiener, W.H. (2013).) (Gottdiener, W. H. (2013). Assimilative dynamic addiction psychotherapy. Journal Of Psychotherapy Integration, 23(1), 39-48. doi:10.1037/a0030271Some therapists are so focused on the past that they do not address current issues. What if you have a job where you entertain clients a lot and have to drink as part of your job? What if your current roommate is encouraging you to drink with her and if you don 't, she gets upset? A good therapist will help you deal with these life situations, but some therapists are so focused on issues from your childhood that they don 't address the things going on in their patient 's current lives. Psychodynamic theory is not proven or provable using the scientific method. “While many approaches to psychology are tested and have many studies done to verify the science behind them, the psychodynamic approach is inherently untestable.” (Review of “Intensive group psychotherapy (2013)). There are no tools available to look inside a person 's mind and see their subconscious thoughts. So there is no way to really measure someone’s conscious. The psychodynamic model of psychology was based on Sigmund Freud 's ideas about the subconscious and the importance of childhood experiences on adult behaviors, among other things. There are several strengths of the psychodynamic model, including addressing a patient 's subconscious issues, childhood traumas and the fact that people enjoy it. However, there are also some weaknesses, including the fact that it ignores the biological and genetic component of some mental illnesses, it depends on therapist interpretation, it can be too focused on the past and it is not scientifically provable. The biological model is based on well-established sciences such as medicine. There is evidence that biochemical and genetic factors are associated with some mental illnesses. It provides a structured and logical system of diagnosis and treatment. If mental illness has a physical cause, patients cannot be blamed — the person is not responsible for the abnormal functioning. The model does not explain the success of purely psychological treatments for mental illnesses .For most mental illnesses, there is no definite proof of a physical cause The model does not include consideration of social and cultural factors which do seem to be statistically linked to mental illness, e.g., higher rates of mental illness amongst the poor. Even if physical changes are associated with mental disorders, it is not clear whether they are the cause or the effect of the illness. Many people with psychological disturbances do recollect childhood traumas. Freudian theory provides a comprehensive framework to describe human personality. By developing a method of treatment, Freud encouraged a more optimistic view regarding psychological distress. Some of the weaknesses are the tendency to ignore the patient’s current problems by focusing on past conflicts in some instances. There is a lack of scientific evidence concerning major theoretical assumptions. As the source of many of the conflicts are often parents, there is a tendency to give a lot of responsibility to parents for the psychological health of their children. Psychodynamic theory underestimates the role of a situation and context.
Abnormal behavior may be defined as behavior that is disturbing, distressing, and maladaptive and often the result of distorted thoughts. Several perspectives and theories attempt to explain the causes of abnormal behavior. The psychodynamic perspective, proposed as an alternative to the biological model, evolved from Freudian psychoanalytic theory, which contends that psychological disorders are the consequence of anxiety produced by unresolved, unconscious conflicts. Treatment focuses on identification and resolution of the conflicts. Those who hold a biological perspective focus on biological and physiological factors as causes of abnormal behavior, which is treated as a disease, or mental illness, and is diagnosed through symptoms and cured through treatment. Hospitalization and drugs are often preferred methods of treatment rather than psychological investigation. The biological model and the psychodynamic model take very different approaches on understanding thoughts and emotions.

References

Findings from H. Szutorisz and Co-Researchers Advance Knowledge in Psychiatric Disorders." Mental Health Weekly Digest 26 May 2014: 23. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 20 June 2014.) (Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 20 June 2014.
Gottdiener, W. H. (2013). Assimilative dynamic addiction psychotherapy. Journal Of Psychotherapy Integration, 23(1), 39-48. doi:10.1037/a0030271.
Hartmann P. The Five-Factor Model: Psychometric, biological and practical perspectives.) Nordic Psychology [serial online]. July 2006;58(2):150-170. Available from: PsycARTICLES, Ipswich, MA. Accessed June 20, 2014.