TheoreticalPerspectives

The importance of paradigms

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

1. It is necessary to have a paradigm in order to guide the questions that are asked--otherwise, research & conceptualization of problems would be aimless.

 2)  It is important to be aware of the assumptions or beliefs

that are implicit to the paradigm. 3)  It is important to be aware of other available

paradigms--other possible explanations.

Major paradigms in psychopathologyBiological models

Psychological modelsPsychoanalytic models Behavioral models

Cognitive-behavioral models Humanistic models

Social environmental models

Vulnerability models/ biopsychosocial models

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Major paradigms in psychopathologyBiological models:

Genetic Structural Biochemical (especially neurotransmitter models)

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

An example of Behavioral Genetic Results

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

The Nervous System

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Brain structures and functions

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Neurotransmission

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Major paradigms in psychopathologyPsychoanalytic models

Sigmund Freud The Vienna Circle (Carl Jung; Alfred Adler)The Ego Analysts (Karen Horney; Eric Fromm)The Interpersonal School (Harry S. Sullivan)Object Relations

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Key Freudian Concepts:

Psychic determinism; the role of unconscious conflicts

Personality is a closed energy system Sexuality, aggression and other instinctual drives

shape the nature of personality Personality has 3 major components (id, ego and

superego) Defense mechanisms

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Dimensions of the Mind: Freud

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Key Freudian Concepts: Psychosexual stages of development model

oral stage (birth to 1 year) anal stage (1 to 3 years) phallic stage (3 to 6 years)--Oedipal & Electra complexes latency stage (6 to 12 years) genital (adolescence to adulthood)

 Fixation; the importance of early development    Psychoanalysis - the talking cure  (free association,

dream analysis, interpretation, analysis of defenses, interpretation of transference).

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Major paradigms in psychopathologyPsychoanalytic models:

Sigmund Freud The Vienna Circle (Carl Jung; Alfred Adler)The Ego Analysts (Karen Horney; Eric Fromm)The Interpersonal School (Harry S. Sullivan)Object Relations School (Heinz Kohut)

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Behavioral modelsClassical Conditioning (I. Pavlov) Operant Conditioning

The Law of Effect (Thorndike)

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Classical ConditioningStep 1: Unconditioned stimulus (UCS) > Unconditioned response (UCR)

Conditioned Stimulus (CS) No response

Step 2: Pairing UCS and CS > Conditioned Response (CR)

+

Step 3: Conditioned Stimulus (CS) > Conditioned Response (CR)

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Operant Conditioning

Positive reinforcement- increasing a behavior by providing a positive reinforcer when the behavior occurs

Negative reinforcement- increasing a behavior by removing a negative reinforcer when the behavior occurs

Punishment- decreasing a behavior by providing a negative reinforcer when the behavior occurs

Extinction (omission training)- decreasing a behavior by removing a positive reinforcer when the behavior occurs

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Operant Conditioning

Other concepts:- Shaping- Schedules of reinforcement- Primary and secondary reinforcers

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Recent variations of behavioral theory

Social learning theory Delay of reinforcement Social modeling

Cognitive- behavioral theory Information processing models of abnormal behavior Cognitive restructuring of mis-perceptions Irrational and Core beliefs

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

The Humanistic/ Existential or “3rd force” in psychotherapy

Reacted against the determinism of psychoanalysis and behavior therapy (Carl Rogers)

Focus is on conscious experiences, trying to understand the person from his/her frame of reference.

Positive opinion about human nature--basically good, & if conditions are right, will grow & develop.

Emphasis is on health, self-concept, self-actualization--humans have an inborn need for growth.

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Self-actualization

Esteem Needs

Belongingness Needs

Safety Needs

Physiological Needs

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

Client-centered therapy (C. Rogers)

Major techniques:1. Empathic listening/ unconditional positive regard2. Reflection of content3. Reflection of intent/ feeling

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

The Community-Cultural Perspective

Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005

1. Recognizes the importance of the context of problems--poverty, homelessness, lack of education or personal resources, stigma & labeling, etc.

2. Maladaptive behavior is seen as a result of the inability to cope with external demands or stresses.

3. Recognizes role of families and social support in either increasing or reducing risk of mental disorder.