Dysfunctional Behavior

General Explanations of Dysfunctional Behavior

Explanations of Dysfunctional Behavior

Psychodynamic Explanations  Conflicts over the satisfaction of

biological needs produce stress  Disorders the result over early unresolved

childhood conflicts  Some dysfunctional behaviors are

attempts to reduce anxiety

Carl Jung

Neo-Freudian Explanations

 Anxiety produced from personal and interpersonal problems rather than biological needs

B.F. Skinner

Learning Explanations  Abnormal behaviors acquired through

classical and operant conditioning  OCD temporary relief from acquired

anxiety and fears

Albert Ellis

Aaron T. Beck

Cognitive Explanations  Erroneous beliefs and disruptions of

normal thought processes  Problems with memory, attention, low

self esteem and depressive thoughts

Sociocultural Explanations  Some cultures seen as more stress

creating  Society determines what is labeled

abnormal

The Family

Family  Families can increase stress  Families can teach abnormal behavior  Families can foster erroneous beliefs

Carl Rogers

Humanistic  Behavior should be viewed as an

individual’s choice made in the context of their view of the situation and their desire to self actualize

 Blocks to growth  This explanation largely abandoned

Biological Explanations

Physiological Explanations

Diathesis-stress Explanations  A combinations of factors at work to

produce abnormality  Predisposition + stressful situation

dysfunctional behavior