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Abnormal Psychology Unit 2
Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 3303)
University of Colorado Boulder
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Abnormal Psychology Unit 2 Major Theoretical Perspectives Major Theoretical Perspectives We can identify several major theoretical trends in contemporary abnormal psychology that are involved in the explanation and treatment of psychological disorders. Psychodynamic Perspective The psychodynamic perspective is the oldest and perhaps most controversial theoretical position. Its founder, Sigmund Freud believed that early childhood traumas profoundly influence adult development, especially with regard to unconscious conflict and ego defense mechanisms. Other theorists loosely associated with this theoretical perspective include: Carl Jung Alfred Adler Karen Horney Behavioral Perspective A second perspective, the behavioral perspective, is based on the work of researchers like Ivan Pavlov John B. Watson B. F. Skinner Behaviorism emphasizes the role that learning and conditioning play in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders. Cognitive Perspective As mentioned in Chapter 2, the cognitive perspective stresses how we process information and use it to reason and solve problems. Cognitive theorists like Aaron Beck focus on how thoughts can become distorted and lead to maladaptive emotions and behaviors. Biological Perspective contrast, adherents of the biological perspective suggest that organic and bodily factors, particularly in the brain, are responsible for psychological disorders. Innovations in research come from this theoretical tradition. Humanistic and Existential Perspectives Finally, theorists from the humanistic and existential perspective argue that growth and responsibility should replace an emphasis on psychological disorders. These theorists include: Abraham Maslow Carl Rogers Rollo May Although each perspective is rich with insight, you should note that a single theory may be inadequate in explaining all psychological disorders. Rather than sticking to one theory all the time, many psychologists draw upon different theories to understand the complex pattern of psychological disorders. Diagnosing and Studying Abnormal Activity The textbook provides an overview of methods used to diagnose and study abnormal behavior. As mentioned, psychopathology is the scientific study of psychological disorders and relies upon a systematic pattern of assessment, controlled observations and data collection. A number of intelligence and personality tests are used to identify and measure the extent of the psychological disorder. Quotations on Madness Throughout history, a number of significant thinkers have shared their opinions about psychopathology. What do you think about the way some of the following figures have described psychological disorders and the people who study them? is to think of too many things in succession too is madness put to good Santayana
Abnormal Psychology Unit 2
Course: Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 3303)
University: University of Colorado Boulder
