Fluent Essays

Question #1: The Challenge of Brevity (By Thursday at 11:55PM)Give a 2 or 3 word description of each model we went over in Chapter 2. If you want to test how well you understand the models, do this without looking at your notes or the textbook. Here is a list of the models we discussed: Biological, Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Cognitive, Humanistic, and Socio-cultural.Question #2: Case Application (By Thursday at 11:55PM)Watch the Child or Rage documentary from 0:28-3:06 by going to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME2wmFunCjU. Then choose three of the models of psychopathology that we discussed in Chapter that you think could be best used to understand why Beth exhibited her pathological behavior (which is dysfunctional, dangerous, deviant, and distressing). For each model, explain in a sentence or two what a therapist using that model might do to help Beth. chapter_2__onlinev___part_1.pptx chapter_2__onlinev___part_2_bb.pptx Unformatted Attachment Preview A quick note for my online students: I think learning the models of psychopathology (which is what Chapter 2 is all about) can be a bit dull. But I also think it doesn’t have to be. It helps if you think about the experiences you’ve had, the experiences your friends, and family, and crazy neighbors have had and try to figure out how each model applies to the things you’ve seen. As you go through, try to figure out which models you agree with the most and which you think are useless. If you plan to eventually work clinically learning about the different models of psychopathology is the first step to figure out who you are going to be as a clinician and what tools you’ll use to help your clients. Dr. Boring Comer, Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, 7e 1 Models of Abnormality • Currently models used to explain & treat abnormal functioning: • • • • • Biological model Psychodynamic model Behavioral model Cognitive model Humanistic –Existential model • Each model focuses on particular aspects of human functioning • No single model can explain all aspects of abnormality 2 The Biological Model • Adopts a medical perspective • Psychological abnormality is an illness brought about by malfunctioning biology • Typically problems in brain anatomy or brain chemistry 3 Brain Anatomy • Brain is made up of ~100 billion nerve cells called neurons • Large groups of neurons form distinct areas called brain regions or areas 4 Brain Chemistry Watch video link above from 1:30 – 4:30 • Neurons communicate with each other through electrical impulses that cause the release of neurotransmitters. 5 Brain Chemistry • Neurons are separated by a space called the synapse. • When an electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron, neurotransmitters (NTs) released into the synapse. • NTs travel across the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on the dendrites of neighboring neurons • Some NTs tell receiving neurons to “fire;” other NTs tell receiving neurons to stop firing 6 Neuro Transmitters (NTs) and Abnormal Behavior • NT Examples: Serotonin, Dopamine, and GABA • Studies indicate that abnormal activity of certain NTs can be related to specific disorders • Ex. Schizophrenia and dopamine • Ex. Serotonin and depression • Ex. Dopamine and addiction. • These relationships are complex. • Not as simple as “depression is result of too little serotonin.” 7 The Three Types of Biological Treatments • Drug therapy • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) • Watch video link above from 2:00-3:00 to get sense of ECT • Psychosurgery 8 Biological Treatments • Drug therapy: • 1950s = advent of psychotropic medications • Greatly changed the outlook for a number of mental disorders • Four major drug groups: • • • • Antianxiety drugs (ex. Valium) Antidepressant drugs (ex. Prozac) Antibipolar drugs / Mood Stabilizers (ex. Lithium) Antipsychotic drugs (ex. Thorazine, Seroquel) 9 Biological Treatments • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): • Used primarily for depression, particularly when drugs and other therapies have failed • This treatment is used on tens of thousands of depressed persons annually. 10 Assessing the Biological Model • Strengths: • Weaknesses: 1. Efficacy of treatments is relatively easy to test 2. Constantly produces valuable new information on disorders 3. Some treatments are effective 1. Can limit, rather than enhance, our understanding • Too simplistic 2. Treatments can produce significant undesirable (negative) effects 11 The Psychodynamic Model • Sigmund Freud was the creator of psychodynamic theory and psychoanalytic therapy. • Oldest and most well known psychological model • Believe behavior is determined by underlying dynamic psychological forces in our unconscious. • Abnormal symptoms due to conflict among these forces 12 Freud on Behavior • Shaped by the unconscious interplay between our three personality structures: 1. Id – guided by the Pleasure Principle • Instinctual needs, drives, and impulses 2. Superego – guided by the Morality Principle • Conscience; represents parents and societies morals. 3. Ego – guided by the Reality Principle • Seeks to find a balance between desires of id and demands of superego. • Ego defense mechanisms protect us from anxiety 13 How Did Freud Explain Normal and Abnormal Functioning? • These three parts of the personality typically in conflict with one another. • A healthy personality = effective working relationship between the three parts • If ego can’t successfully negotiate between id and superego, dysfunctional behavior occurs. 14 Psychodynamic Therapies • Range from Freudian psychoanalysis to modern therapies • All seek to uncover past traumas and inner conflicts • Watch video linked above from 1:10 – 5:41 • Therapist acts as a “subtle guide” for decades • Current trends: • Short-term psychodynamic therapies • Case Example of Tx with Psychodynamic elements: AR 15 Assessing the Psychodynamic Model • Strengths: 1. Explained both normal and abnormal functioning. 2. Some psychodynamic ideas can be helpful in relationship building. 3. First to fully integrate theory with treatment techniques • Huge impact on the field • Weaknesses: 1. Ideas not based on objective research. 2. Lots of unsupported or difficult to research ideas. • The structures of the unconscious are unobservable. 16 The Humanistic Model • We are born with a natural tendency to be friendly, cooperative, and constructive; • Focus on drive to self-actualize (reach potential) through self-acceptance and honest recognition of strengths and weaknesses 17 Rogers’ Humanistic Theory and Therapy • Humans need unconditional positive regard • If received, leads to unconditional self-regard • Otherwise leads to “conditions of worth” • e.g. “I’m only good if…” • Rogers’ “client-centered” therapy (Watch video 1:25 – 3:30) • Therapist creates a supportive climate • Unconditional positive regard • Accurate empathy • Genuineness • Reflective listening • Little research support but positive impact on clinical practice 18 Assessing the Humanistic Model • Strengths: 1. First model to focus on importance of establishing a positive therapeutic alliance. 2. Emphasizes achieving optimal health • Not just avoiding pathology. • Weaknesses: 1. Theory difficult to study scientifically • How do you measure desire for self-actualization? 2. Research doesn’t support efficacy of therapies • Skills helpful but not sufficient. 19 The Behavioral Model • Behaviorism emerged from laboratories where conditioning was being studied. • Concentrates on behaviors and environmental factors • Behaviors are largely determine by experiences. • Bases explanations of abnormal psychology and treatments on principles of learning 1 How Do Behaviorists Explain Abnormal Functioning? • There are several forms of conditioning which may produce normal or abnormal behavior: • Classical conditioning (pairing) • Operant conditioning (reward and punishment) • Modeling (learning from watching others) 2 Behavioral Therapies • Aim is to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. • Primary tool is use of rewards and punishments. • Understanding of modeling and classical conditioning are also important to forming treatments. • Therapist is “teacher” rather than healer. 3 Assessing the Behavioral Model • Strengths: 1. 2. 3. 4. Many behavioral principles can be tested in a laboratory. Behavioral treatments lend themselves to testing. Treatments tend to be relatively brief. Significant research support for behavioral therapies • Weaknesses: 1. No evidence that abnormal symptoms are typically acquired through conditioning 2. Too simplistic • Humans aren’t just their observable behaviors. 4 The Cognitive Model • Abnormal functioning best understood by looking at cognitions (a.k.a thoughts). • Clinicians must understand assumptions, beliefs, and thoughts of a client • The goal of therapy is to help clients recognize faulty thinking and replace it with healthier thoughts. • 3 C’s of Cognitive Therapy: • Catch (the use of maladaptive assumptions) • Challenge (those maladaptive assumptions) • Change. (Maladaptive self talk to healthier and more accurate thoughts.) 5 How Do Cognitive Theorists Explain Abnormal Functioning? • Abnormal functioning can result from several kinds of cognitive errors: • Faulty assumptions and attitudes • Illogical thinking processes • Illogical: “I’m not lovable.” • Logical: “My ex and I stopped loving each other.” 6 Types of Cognitive Errors • • • • All-or-nothing thinking – believing events are all good or all bad. Catastrophizing – exaggerating the negative aspects of an event. Comparing – judging by others’ performance, feeling, values etc. Fortune-telling: being disappointed with yourself for not being able to predict the future. • Mind reading – jumping to conclusions about what others think. • Overgeneralization: thinking that if something has happened once it will always happen. • Perfectionism: requiring oneself to perform flawlessly. • Think of at least 2 or 3 times you’ve experienced these cognitive errors in yourself or those around you. 7 Assessing the Cognitive Model • Strengths: • Cognitive Txs are… 1. relatively easy to research. 2. effective in treating numerous disorders. 3. typically fairly brief (10-12 sessions). • Weaknesses: 1. Precise role of cognition in abnormality still uncertain. 2. Txs not helpful for everyone. 1. Don’t work for all people 2. Don’t work for all disorders. 8 Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and “3rd Wave” Therapies • CBT and “3rd Wave” therapies have been developed to try to address some of the weaknesses of the Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches. • CBT = combines techniques from Cognitive and Behavioral approaches. • 3rd Wave Therapies = CBT + focus on mindfulness, skills, and acceptance of emotions. • Strong evidence that CBT and 3rd wave therapies can be effective for a variety of disorders. • PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder 9 The Sociocultural Models • Argues that abnormal behavior is best understood in light of the social and cultural forces that influence an individual • Comprised of two major perspectives: • Family-Social perspective – focuses on social forces operating in client’s social network. • Multicultural perspective – focuses on how culture, race, ethnicity, gender, and similar factors influence mental health and response to treatments. 10 How Do Family-Social Theorists Explain Abnormal Functioning? • Concentrate on social forces that operate directly on an individual, including: • Social labels and roles • Diagnostic labels (example: Rosenhan study) • Social connections and supports • Family structure and communication 11 Family-Social Treatments • The Family-Social perspective has helped spur the growth of several treatment approaches, including: • Group therapy • Family therapy • Couple therapy 12 Assessing the Sociocultural Models Strengths: 1. Has enhanced clinical understanding and Tx of abnormality • Increased awareness of family, cultural, social, and societal social roles 2. Sociocultural Txs sometimes succeed whether other types of Tx fail. Weaknesses: 1. Much of the research is difficult to interpret • Correlation  causation 2. Model unable to predict abnormality in specific individuals 13 Integration of the Models • No one model is universally accepted or successful. • Integrative therapists are often called “eclectic” – • They attempt to combine the models to harness the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of each. 14 Theoretical Orientations of Today’s Clinical Psychologists 15 ... Purchase answer to see full attachment