To Prepare For This Week’s Assignment, Review The Following ✓ Solved
To prepare for this week’s Assignment, review the following videos in addition to this week’s assigned Reading: Duran, V. M. (2013). Supernatural views- Historic
To prepare for this week’s Assignment, review the following videos in addition to this week’s assigned reading: Duran, V. M. (2013). Supernatural views- Historic. Retrieved from . Duran, V. M. (2013). Hippocrates. Retrieved from. Duran, V. M. (2013). Concept Check: Integrative Approach. Retrieved from.
In the past, a one-cause approach was more accepted to understanding psychopathological behavior. Today, it is more accepted that there are multiple causes that can explain the development of mental illness. For this Assignment, you will compare and contrast the early ways of thinking about psychological disorders to today’s current view and explain the multi-dimensional model and the major approaches (theorized causes) of mental illness.
Explain what early thoughts and beliefs existed about what caused mental illness. Describe one of the psychological traditions and how it furthered the beliefs about what causes mental illness from that of the early beliefs by the Greeks and from religions. Select from: Freud’s theory of the unconscious, humanism, or behaviorism. Explain the idea of a multi-dimensional approach and how it differs from a single approach to understanding the major causes of mental illness. Last, referring directly to the textbook, provide an overview of the major approaches of a multi-dimensional integrated model listed in the textbook.
For each major approach, include its central tenant(s) as it relates to the explanation (or cause) of mental illness. The major approaches that provide an explanation or cause for the development of mental illness are biological approach (genetics and neurological factors), psychological approach (cognitive and behavioral factors, including the unconscious), emotions approach, social and cultural approach, and the developmental approach. For example, from the biological approach, an imbalance of neurochemicals is believed to influence (or cause) behavioral changes as well as heritability. The textbook is essential: Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 6th Edition.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction to Historical and Contemporary Views on Mental Illness
The understanding of mental illness has evolved significantly over centuries. Early societies attributed psychological disorders to supernatural causes, demon possession, or divine punishment. These beliefs influenced how mental health was treated, often involving exorcisms, spiritual rituals, or religious interventions. With the advancement of philosophical and scientific thought, explanations shifted toward more naturalistic causes, notably starting with ancient Greek theories and later developing into complex biological and psychological models.
Early Beliefs About Causes of Mental Illness
In ancient Greece, mental illness was often seen as a result of imbalances in bodily humors, such as blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm. Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, proposed that mental disorders originated from physiological imbalances, thus marking a move away from supernatural explanations. Similarly, religious doctrines of the Middle Ages viewed mental disturbances as divine punishment or possession by spirits. These early beliefs laid the groundwork for more scientific approaches by emphasizing physical and moral explanations over supernatural ones.
Psychological Traditions and Their Contribution
One notable psychological tradition that advanced the understanding of mental illness is Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind. Freud proposed that unresolved childhood conflicts and unconscious desires could cause psychological disorders. This approach marked a significant shift from earlier beliefs by focusing on internal psychological conflicts rather than external or supernatural factors. Freud’s theory introduced the notion that unconscious processes influence behavior and mental health, broadening the scope of understanding mental illness beyond physical or spiritual explanations.
The Multi-Dimensional Model of Mental Illness
The multi-dimensional approach posits that mental health disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and developmental factors. Unlike single-cause models—which may focus solely on genetics or environment—the multi-dimensional model recognizes the dynamic interactions among various determinants. This comprehensive perspective allows clinicians to consider multiple influences when diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, leading to more effective and personalized interventions.
Major Approaches of the Multi-Dimensional Model
According to the Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 6th Edition, the integrated model comprises several key approaches:
Biological Approach
This approach attributes mental health disorders to genetic, neurochemical, or neurological abnormalities. For example, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are linked to depression and schizophrenia. Structural brain abnormalities and genetic predispositions also play crucial roles in mental illness development.
Psychological Approach
The psychological approach considers cognitive, behavioral, and unconscious factors. Cognitive-behavioral theories suggest that maladaptive thought patterns and learned behaviors contribute to disorders like anxiety and depression. The unconscious mind, as proposed by Freud, influences behavior and mental health through unresolved conflicts and repressed emotions.
Emotional Approach
This approach emphasizes the role of emotional regulation and responses in mental health. Persistent emotional dysregulation can lead to mood disorders, anxiety, and other psychological issues, highlighting the importance of emotional awareness and management in treatment.
Social and Cultural Approach
Social influences, including relationships, socioeconomic status, and cultural norms, significantly impact mental health. For instance, social isolation or discrimination can exacerbate mental health issues, underscoring the importance of a supportive environment and cultural competence in therapy.
Developmental Approach
This perspective considers the role of developmental stages and experiences across the lifespan. Early adverse childhood experiences can increase vulnerability to mental health disorders later in life. Understanding developmental influences aids in creating age-appropriate interventions and prevention strategies.
Conclusion
In summary, the contemporary understanding of mental illness leans heavily on a multi-dimensional model that integrates biological, psychological, emotional, social, and developmental factors. This holistic approach provides a nuanced framework for diagnosis and treatment, moving away from simplistic, single-cause models to a more comprehensive understanding that reflects the complexity of human psychology. Recognizing the interplay among various determinants can improve clinical outcomes and promote personalized mental health care.
References
- Comer, R. J. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (10th ed.). Worth Publishers.
- DeRubeis, R. J., & Crits-Christoph, P. (1998). Empiricism and the adaptive functions of psychotherapy. Psychological Bulletin, 124(4), 459–481.
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- Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2013). Principles of Neural Science (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- Kirk, S., & Coughlin, A. (2020). Modern perspectives on psychotherapy. Psychotherapy Bulletin, 55(2), 76–82.
- Parnas, J., & Sass, L. A. (2001). Psychosis as a self-disturbance: A review of the literature. Psychopathology, 34(4), 193–202.
- Sullivan, H. S. (1953). The interpersonal theory of psychiatry. W. W. Norton & Company.
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- World Health Organization. (2019). International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).