Question

Can you provide a brief overview of the 6 models of abnormality, along with current examples to demonstrate the application and treatment of each.

biological model-

psychodynamic model-

behavioral model-

cognitive model-

humanistic-existential cultural model-

social cultural model-

Answer 1

.According to the biological model of abnormality, mental illness is genetically caused such as the inheritance of chromosomes abnormalities from the patent to the offspring, or is the result of neurochemical abnormalities and/ or developmental deformities during the time of birth. In other words, proponents of this view look for clues to the existence of a disorder in the unusual patterns of brain activities as revealed by EEG, PET, MRI or CT scans and focus of a pharmacological treatment to control the symptoms. For instance, Alcoholism is studied by the biologically oriented mental health professionals in terms of its effects on the neurobiology of the alcohol dependent patient and they associate the disorder with reduced secretion of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

The psychodynamic model of abnormality focuses on the unconscious conflicts due to traumatic childhood experiences and socially unacceptable sexual and aggressive impulses as the root of abnormal behaviour. The focus here is on the past interpersonal experiences especially with the caregivers during the formative years as the building blocks of adult personality and psychosexual development across the different zones of pleasure such that the child gradually learns to concentrate on developing healthy and desiring romantic and other interpersonal relationships through a gradual progression from self-focussed oral and anal impulses to more empathic and mutual understanding of other’s own desiring parts during the genital stage where the ego is able to function better according to the reality principle and channelising the libido or life energy towards growth and well being. For instance, experience of deprivation and abusive parental relationships is considered to result in the concentration of excess or low libido at the oral stage of development such that the adult individual regresses back to seek comfort from oral ( the mouth ) means such as alcohol. Thus, psychoanalytically speaking, alcohol dependence is a form of oral fixation.

According to the behavioral model, abnormality is a matter of observable maladaptive behaviours to the environment rather than a result of unseen and unempirical unconscious motivation or feelings. This view focuses on the association of the abnormal behaviour with a particular stimulus by means of conditioning and positive and/ or negative reinforcement for behaving in a Particukarly negative way. Thus, according to the principle of operant conditioning, an alcoholic is more likely to develop drug dependence because s/he may associate positive rewards from alcohol such as social company of friends, or avoid the negative effects of withdrawal symptoms and thus may continue his/her addiction despite knowing about its harmful effects.

The cognitive model of abnormality focuses on negative thoughts and maladaptive beliefs, neurological dysfunctions as the primary cause for mental disorders. Thus for instance, depression is understood as an overarching ‘negative triad’ of negative beliefs about oneself, about the world and about the future which creates feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Thus, according to this view, cognitions influence the affect and behaviour that is associated with the symptoms of a disorder.

The humanistic-existential model of abnormality sees abnormality on a continuum rather than a water-tight compartmentalised phenomena. Thus, according to the humanists, abnormality is a general condition of life which can happen to anyone. People who receive conditional positive regard, more negative and judgemental feedback from their environment or those who have less congruence between their real ( who apthey actuallyare) and ideal self ( who they want to be), feel more emotional strain under difficult life circumstances and may become vulnerable to a mental breakdown. Thus, for instance, an alcoholic’s dependence on an external object is seen as a means to support and find comfort in the absence of emotionally fulfilling relationships.

According to the sociocultural paradigm, abnormality is a result of larger inequalities in wealth, social status, gender, employment or factors such as intergroup conflicts, prejudice, low access to public facilities and health, and crisis situation such as natural disasters, wars, etc. which my lead to gretaer occurance of a disorder in one community than another. Moreover, there are cultural differences in the definition of abnormally. Thus, what is abnormal in one culture may be completely normal in another culture. Cultures also differ in their interpretations of a symptom of an abnormal condition. For instance, excessive binge drinking under the effect of low mood or during social festivities and celebrations may be completely acceptable and normal in certain hill communities in South America, the Himalayan plateau etc. but it does not mean that people there are necessarily alcoholics. However, regular and binge alcohol consumption in many Western societies is seen as a sign of abnormal substance use.