ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY |6

Prepared by:
ANGELO R. DULLAS, MA Clinical Psych
MYLENE G. SACRO, RPm

E-mail Address:
dullas.angelo@clsu.edu.ph
mylenesacro@clsu.edu.ph

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Munoz 3120
Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Instructional Module for the Course

PSYCH 3155 Abnormal Psychology

MODULE 2
Topic 2: THEORIES AND TREATMENT OF ABNORMALITY

Overview
In this module 2, I will discuss to you the theoretical perspective on understanding
abnormal behaviors. Moreover, treatment of these psychological disorders will also be
discourse. You are expected to develop a clearer understanding what are different theories of
abnormal psychology.

I. Objectives:
Upon the completion of this module, you are expected to:

1. To use major psychological theories, particularly the commonly recognized ones,

in explaining how psychological problems are caused and how they develop.

II. Learning Activities

In understanding what is Psychological disorders, we need a map or a guide. This guide

or perspective will offer explanations on the cause and processes of different mental and
behavioral disorders. Typically, perspective can also be equated to theory. Theory is defined as
a set of ideas that provides a framework for asking questions about phenomenon and for
gathering and interpreting information about the phenomenon (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014;
Sarason & Sarason, 2005). Different theoretical orientations in understanding abnormal
behaviors include Biological Approaches, Psychological Approaches and Humanistic Approaches
and Socio-cultural Theories.

BIOLOGICAL APPROACHES
 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY |7

Biopsychology as defined by Pinel (2011) is the scientific study of the biology of behavior
which includes internal processes such learning, memory, motivation, perception and
emotions. As an example how important biological approach is, Pinel (2011) and Nolen-
Hoeksema cited the case of Phineas Gage (1823-1860) whose in a work accident, a metal rod
shot up through Phineas Gage’s skull, destroying his eye and part of his frontal lobes. After
healing, he was able to function in many ways, but his personality changed; he was rude, odd,
irritable, and unpredictable. Pinel (2011) in his paper describe that the possible explanation to
this is the damage to the frontal lobes result in loss of the ability to suppress impulses and to
modulate emotions. Biological approaches to Psychological disorders includes explanations to
Brain Dysfunction, Biochemical imbalance, and genetic abnormalities.

BRAIN DYSFUNCTION

• People whose brains do not function properly often show problems in psychological
functioning.
• The brain can be divided into three main regions (Kalat 2007): the hindbrain, midbrain
and forebrain.

Source: Pinel, J.P.J. (2011). Biopsychology. (8th Edition). Pearson. Boston, MA.

• Brain dysfunction can result from injury such as from an automobile accident, and from
diseases that causes brain deterioration.
• Certain areas of the brain are associated with a wide range of psychological symptoms.
Thus, dysfunctions in these areas are transdiagnostic risk factors.

BIOCHEMICAL IMBALANCES
 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY |8

• The brain requires several chemicals in order to work efficiently and effectively. These
chemicals include neurotransmitters and hormones.

Neurotransmitters

• Biochemical that act as messengers carrying impulses from one neuron or nerve
cells, to another.
• Many biochemical theories of abnormality suggest that the amount of certain
neurotransmitters in the synapses is associated with specific types of
psychopathology.
• Psychological symptoms may also be associated with the number and
functioning of the receptors for neurotransmitters on the dendrite.

Source: Pinel, J.P.J. (2011). Biopsychology. (8th Edition). Pearson. Boston, MA

Hormones- The Endocrine System

• The endocrine system sends molecules as messages, just like the nervous
system, but it sends them through the bloodstream instead of across synapses.
• These molecules, called hormones, are produced in various glands around the
body.
• The messages go to the brain and other tissues.
 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY |9

Source: Pinel, J.P.J. (2011). Biopsychology. (8th Edition). Pearson. Boston, MA

Adrenal Glands
-produce hormones such as adrenaline/epinephrine, noradrenaline/norepinephrine, and
cortisol.

-The sympathetic “fight or flight” nervous system responds to stress by sending a

message to adrenal glands to release such as adrenaline/epinephrine,
noradrenaline/norepinephrine, and cortisol. The effect includes increased heart rate, blood
pressure, and blood sugar. These provide ENERGY for the fight or flight.

The Pituitary Gland

- The pituitary gland is the “master gland” of the endocrine system. It is controlled
through the nervous system by the nearby brain area--the hypothalamus. The pituitary
gland produces hormones that regulate other glands such as the thyroid. It also
 A B N O R M A L P S Y C H O L O G Y | 10

produces growth hormone (especially during sleep) and oxytocin, the “bonding”
hormone.
THE GENETIC ABNORMALITIES
According to Nolen-Hoeksema (2014) behavior genetics, the study of the genetics of
personality and abnormality, is concerned with two questions: (1) To what extent are behaviors
or behavioral tendencies inherited? (2) What are the processes by which genes affected
behavior?
This can be summarize as:
• Genetic factors can influence the kinds of environments we choose, which then
reinforce our genetically influenced personalities and interests.
• The environment may act as a catalyst for a genetic tendency.
• The fascinating line of research called epigenetics indicates that environmental
conditions can affect the expression of genes.
Treatment Using Biological Perspective
DRUG THERAPIES
Most of the biological treatments for abnormality are drug treatments. These drugs are
thought to relieve psychological symptoms by improving the functioning of
neurotransmitters.

ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY
It used to treat severe depression. Various new methods are being developed to
stimulate the brain without using electricity.

PSYCHOSURGERY
 A B N O R M A L P S Y C H O L O G Y | 11

It Is used rarely, and only with people who have severe disorders that do not respond to
other forms of treatment.

PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES

Psychological approaches as discussed by Nolen-Hoeksema (2014) includes behavioral,

cognitive, psychodynamic and humanistic orientations, family systems and third-wave
approaches. These approaches offer a way to understand why psychopathology develops and
how to treat these.

BEHAVIORAL APPROACHES
Focus on the influence of reinforcement and punishments in producing behavior. The
two core principles or processes of learning according to behaviorism are classical conditioning
and operant conditioning. Learning can also occur through modeling and observational
learning.

• Classical Conditioning- Classical takes place when a previously neutral stimulus is paired
with stimulus that naturally creates a certain responses; eventually, the neutral stimulus
also elicits the response. Classical conditioning has been used to explain people’s
seemingly irrational responses to a host of neutral stimuli.
• For example, a college student who previously failed in a test in a particular classroom
may break out in a cold sweat when she enters that room again. This response is s result
of classical conditioning. The room has been come a conditioned stimulus, eliciting a
response of anxiety, because it was paired with an unconditioned stimulus (failing an
exam) the elicit anxiety.
 A B N O R M A L P S Y C H O L O G Y | 12

 Operant Conditioning- Thorndike labeled the law of effect, led to the development of
the principles of operant conditioning – the shaping of behaviors by providing rewards
for desired behaviors and providing punishments for undesired behaviors.
 Modeling and Observational Learning- Albert Bandura argued that people also learn
behaviors by watching other people, a view that came to be known as social learning
theory.
Modeling – people learn new behaviors from imitating the behaviors modeled by
important people in their lives, such as their parents.
Observational Learning – takes place when a person observes the rewards and
punishments that another person receives for his or her behavior and then behaves in
accordance with those rewards and punishment.

BEHAVIORAL THERAPIES
• Behavioral therapies focus on identifying those reinforcements and punishments that
contribute to a person’s maladaptive behaviors and on changing specific behaviors.
• The foundation for behavioral therapy is the behavioral assessment of the client’s
problem.
• Systematic Desensitization Therapy- A gradual method for extinguishing anxiety
responses to stimuli and the maladaptive behavior that often accompanies this anxiety.

COGNITIVE APPROACHES
 A B N O R M A L P S Y C H O L O G Y | 13

Cognitive theories argue that is not simply rewards and punishments that motivate
human behavior. Instead, our cognitions – thoughts or beliefs – shape our behavior and the
emotions we experience.
• Causal Attribution- The attributions we make for events can influence our behavior
because they impact the meaning we give to events and our expectations for similar
events in the future.

COGNITIVE THERAPIES
• Cognitive therapies help clients identify and challenge their negative thoughts and
dysfunctional belief system.
• Cognitive therapists also help clients to learn more effective problem-solving techniques
for dealing with the concrete problems in their lives.
• Cognitive therapy is designed to be short-term, on the order of 12 to 20 weeks in
duration with one or two sessions per week.
3 Goals of Cognitive Theories
• Assist clients in identifying their irrational and maladaptive thoughts. A client might be
asked to keep a diary of thoughts she has whenever she feels anxious.
• Teach clients to challenge their irrational or maladaptive thoughts and consider
alternative ways of thinking. A client might be asked to evaluate the evidence for a
belief or to consider how other people might think about a difficult situation.
• Encourage clients to face their worst fears about a situation and recognize ways they
could cope.

PSYCHODYNAMIC APPROACHES
• The psychodynamic theories of abnormality suggest that all behaviors, thoughts, and
emotions, whether normal or abnormal, are influenced to large extent by unconscious
processes. The psychodynamic theories of psychopathology focus on unconscious
conflicts that cause anxiety in the individual and result maladaptive behavior. Freud
argued that these conflicts arise when the impulses of the id clash with the constraints
on behavior imposed by the ego and superego.
• People use various types of defense mechanisms to handle a child’s transitions through
the psychosexual stages determines the concerns or issues the child may become
fixated on.
• More recent psychodynamic theorists focus less on the role of unconscious impulses
and more on the development of the individuals self-concept in the concept of
interpersonal relationships. They see a greater role for the environment in shaping
personality and have more hope for change during adulthood than Freud had.
Psychoanalysis
• Theory of personality and psychopathology
 A B N O R M A L P S Y C H O L O G Y | 14

• A method of investigating the mind

• A form of treatment of psychopathology

HUMANISTIC APPROACHES
• Suggest that all humans strive to fulfill their potential for good and to self-actualize. The
inability to fulfill one’s potential from the pressures of society to conform to others’
expectation and values.
• Humanistic therapies seek to help a client realize his or her potential for self-
actualization.

FAMILY SYSTEM THEORIES

• Suggest that the family as a complex interpersonal system, with its own hierarchy and
rules that govern family members’ behavior.
• When a member of the family has a psychological disorder, family systems theorists see
it not as a problem within the individual but as an indication of a dysfunctional family
system.

SOCIOCULTURAL THEORIES
• Suggests that socioeconomic stress, discrimination, and social upheaval can lead to
mental health problems in individuals.
• Culture also have implicit and explicit rules regarding the types of abnormal behavior
they permit.
• Some clients may wish to work with therapists of the same culture or gender, but it is
unclear whether matching therapist and client in terms of culture and gender is
necessary for therapy to be effective.
• It is important that therapists be sensitive to the influences of culture and gender on
client’s attitudes toward therapy and various solutions to problems.

References

Morrison, J. (2014). DSM-5 Made Easy. The Clinician’s Guide to Diagnosis. The Guilford Press.
New York.

Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Abnormal Psychology (6th Ed.). Mcgraw-Hill. New York, NY.

Pinel, J.P.J. (2011). Biopsychology. (8th Edition). Pearson. Boston, MA.

Sarason, I.G. & Sarason, B.R. (2005). Abnormal Psychology. The Problem of Maladaptive
Behavior (11th Edition). Pearson Prentice Hall. New Jersey.