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This chapter presents an overview of past and future conceptions of abnormal behavior.Specifically, it introduces the concept of abnormal behavior and its definitional components while also describing the science of psychopathology; outlines some primary professions in the field and terms for understanding psychological disorders; describes supernatural, biological, and psychological models of abnormal behavior in a historical context; and summarizes a multidimensional integrative scientific approach for understanding psychopathology.

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UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

What Is a Psychological Disorder?The Science of Psychopathology Historical Conceptions of Abnormal Behavior

THE SUPERNATURAL TRADITION

Demons and Witches Stress and Melancholy Treatments for Possession Mass Hysteria Modern Mass Hysteria The Moon and the Stars Comments

THE BIOLOGICAL TRADITION

Hippocrates and Galen The 19th Century Abnormal Psychology An Integrative Approach, 8e David Barlow, Mark Durand, Stefan Hofmann (Instructor Manual All Chapters, 100% Original Verified, A+ Grade) 1 / 4

The Development of Biological Treatments Consequences of the Biological Tradition

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRADITION

Moral Therapy Asylum Reform and the Decline of Moral Therapy Psychoanalytic Theory Humanistic Theory The Behavioral Model

THE PRESENT: THE SCIENTIFIC MET HOD AND AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH

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Understanding Psychopathology  A psychological disorder is (1) a psychological dysfunction within an individual that is (2) associated with distress or impairment in functioning and (3) a response that is not typical or culturally expected. All three basic criteria must be met; no one criterion alone has yet been identified that defines the essence of abnormality. 2 / 4

 DISCUSSION POINT:

What are some behaviors that may be considered “abnormal” by the above definitions, but do not constitute a psychological disorder?

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ISCUSSION POINT:

Do the words “abnormal” and “pathological” necessary mean the same thing? Can you be one without being the other? Is abnormality an “either-or” construct or is it better thought of as a continuum?

 The field of psychopathology is concerned with the scientific study of psychological disorders. Trained mental health professionals range from clinical and counseling psychologists to psychiatrists and psychiatric social workers and nurses. Each profession requires a specific type of training. Using scientific methods, mental health professionals can function as scientist-practitioners.They not only keep up with the latest findings but also use scientific data to evaluate their own work and often conduct research within their clinics or hospitals. Research about psychological disorders falls into three basic categories: clinical description (prevalence, incidence, course prognosis), causation (etiology), and treatment and outcomes.

 D

ISCUSSION POINT:

What are some of the factors that may lead a person to have a psychological disorder, such as depression? Be sure to elicit answers involving biological, psychological, and social components.

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ISCUSSION POINT:

Why do you think that two people can be diagnosed with the exact same psychological disorder while appearing to share none of the causative factors of that condition?

The Supernatural, Biological, and Psychological Traditions  Historically, there have been three prominent approaches to abnormal behavior. In the supernatural tradition, abnormal behavior is attributed to agents outside our bodies or social environment, such as demons, spirits, or the influence of the moon and stars; although still alive, this tradition has been largely replaced by biological and psychological perspectives. In the biological tradition, disorders are attributed to disease or biochemical imbalances; in the psychological tradition, abnormal behavior is attributed to faulty psychological development and to social context. It was from the psychological perspective that a renewed interest in the moral treatment of the mentally ill emerged, beginning in the last 1700s with Philippe Pinel. Each tradition has its own way of treating individuals who suffer from psychological disorders. Supernatural treatments include exorcism to rid the body of supernatural spirits.Biological treatments typically emphasize physical care and the search for medical cures, especially drugs. Psychological approaches use psychosocial treatments, beginning with moral therapy and including modern psychotherapy. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalytic therapy, offered an elaborate conception of the unconscious mind, much of which is still conjecture. In therapy, Freud focused on tapping into the mysteries of the unconscious through such techniques as catharsis, free association, and dream analysis. Although Freud’s followers steered from his path in many 3 / 4

ways, Freud’s influence can still be felt today.

 D

ISCUSSION POINT:

How might Freudian theorists use the psychosexual stages to explain obsessive-compulsive disorder?

 D

ISCUSSION POINT:

If you were to receive treatment for an episode of depression from a provider, from which perspective would you want him or her to operate? The psychoanalytic, humanistic, or behavioral perspective? Why? (If students fall into the trap of choosing just one, encourage them to consider an answer that introduces the concept of eclecticism.)

 One outgrowth of Freudian therapy is humanistic psychology, which focuses more on human potential and self-actualizing than on psychological disorders. Therapy that has evolved from this approach is known as person-centered therapy; the therapist shows almost unconditional positive regard for the client’s feelings and thoughts. The behavioral model moved psychology into the realm of science. Both research and therapy focus on things that are measurable, including such techniques as systematic desensitization, reinforcement, and shaping.

The Present: The Scientific Method and an Integrative Approach

 With the increasing sophistication of our scientific tools, and new knowledge from cognitive science, behavioral science, and neuroscience, we now realize that no contribution to psychological disorders ever occurs in isolation. Our behavior, both normal and abnormal, is a product of a continual interaction of psychological, biological, and social influences.

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psychological disorder, 3 phobia, 4 abnormal behavior, 4 psychopathology, 6 scientist-practitioner, 7 presenting problem, 7 clinical description, 7 prevalence, 7 incidence, 7 course, 8 prognosis, 8 etiology, 8 exorcism, 10 psychosocial treatment, 16 moral therapy, 16 mental hygiene movement, 17 psychoanalysis, 18 psychosexual stages of development, 21 castration anxiety, 21 neurosis (plural neuroses), 22 ego psychology, 22 self-psychology, 22 object relations, 22 collective unconscious, 22 free association, 22 dream analysis, 22 psychoanalyst, 22 transference, 23 psychodynamic psychotherapy, 23 self-actualizing, 23 person-centered therapy, 24 unconditional positive regard, 24

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