Unit 3 Discussion Responses: Abnormal Psychology

Unit 3 Discussion Responsesabnormal Psychologyledouxs Overarching The

Discuss the cognitive approach to understanding the development of abnormal behavior by explaining one theory from this approach about how thinking increases vulnerability to mental disorders. Additionally, describe the psychoanalytic perspective on the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior. Finally, select a case study and apply either the cognitive or psychoanalytic theory to explain the individual's behavior.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of abnormal behavior has been extensively studied through various psychological frameworks. Among these, the cognitive approach and the psychoanalytic perspective provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that predispose individuals to mental disorders. This paper explores one theory from the cognitive approach, explains the psychoanalytic idea of the unconscious mind, and applies one of these theories to a pertinent case study.

The Cognitive Approach: Learned Helplessness

The cognitive approach emphasizes the role of thought patterns and mental processes in the development of psychological disorders. One prominent theory within this paradigm is learned helplessness, originally researched by Martin Seligman. This theory posits that individuals who experience repeated uncontrollable stressors may come to believe they are powerless to change their circumstances, which increases their vulnerability to depression and other mental illnesses (Abramson, Seligman, & Teasdale, 1978).

In learned helplessness, the individual perceives a lack of control over their environment, leading to feelings of resignation and hopelessness. For instance, in experimental settings, animals such as dogs and rats subjected to unpredictable shocks without the ability to escape ultimately stop attempting to avoid the shocks altogether. They exhibit behaviors analogous to clinical depression in humans, such as withdrawal and apathy. This behavior pattern is transferable to humans; individuals who repeatedly face failures or stressors they believe are beyond their control develop negative thought patterns that perpetuate depressive symptoms.

For example, a person who repeatedly faces rejection in their personal or professional life might come to believe that efforts to improve their situation are futile. These negative cognitions reinforce feelings of helplessness and contribute to depression. The theory underscores the importance of perceived control in mental health, indicating that interventions aimed at restoring a sense of agency can be effective in preventing or treating depression (Maier & Seligman, 2016).

The Psychoanalytic Approach: The Unconscious Mind

The psychoanalytic perspective, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior. Freud proposed that the unconscious contains thoughts, memories, and desires that are repressed because they are distressing or socially unacceptable. These unconscious processes can profoundly influence behavior, often manifesting indirectly through symptoms or neurotic behaviors (Freud, 1915).

Freud suggested that unresolved conflicts and suppressed emotions residing in the unconscious mind drive behaviors and emotional states. For example, a person might experience anxiety or depression due to unresolved childhood conflicts, such as repressed feelings toward a neglectful parent. These unconscious conflicts can influence conscious thought patterns and feelings, resulting in maladaptive behaviors or emotional difficulties.

Advances in psychoanalytic theory later incorporated concepts like defense mechanisms, which individuals unconsciously employ to manage anxiety stemming from unconscious conflicts. Treatment often involves bringing unconscious material to consciousness through techniques like free association and dream analysis, enabling the individual to resolve internal conflicts that contribute to their mental health issues (McLeod, 2019).

Application to a Case Study: Harrison and Unconscious Influences

Considering the case of Harrison, a man suffering from Major Depressive Disorder who experienced failures at work and home, a psychoanalytic explanation might focus on his unconscious conflicts rooted in early childhood. Harrison’s upbringing involved a domineering father and a controlling mother, both of whom expressed disapproval through punishment and emotional withdrawal. Freud argued that such childhood experiences could lead to unconscious feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or helplessness, which persist into adulthood (Freud, 1917).

Harrison’s unconscious internalization of these early conflicts could influence his current behavior, manifesting as feelings of failure, resentment, and disengagement. His perception of himself as unworthy and incapable might be due to unconscious beliefs formed in childhood that he is fundamentally inadequate. These internalized beliefs might drive his depressive symptoms, causing him to interpret his failures as confirmation of his worthlessness, even when he is unaware of these underlying thoughts (Kaplan & Sadock, 2015).

Therapeutic interventions based on psychoanalytic principles would seek to uncover these unconscious conflicts, possibly through free association or dream analysis. By gaining insight into the unconscious origins of his self-perceptions, Harrison could work toward resolving internal conflicts and ameliorating his depressive symptoms. This case illustrates how unconscious processes, as described by psychoanalysis, can significantly influence behavior and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

Both the cognitive and psychoanalytic approaches offer valuable perspectives on the development of abnormal behavior. The learned helplessness theory elucidates how negative thought patterns about lack of control can lead to depression, emphasizing the importance of perceived agency. Conversely, the psychoanalytic view highlights the influence of unconscious conflicts stemming from childhood experiences, which can shape adult behavior and emotional health. Applying these theories to specific cases enriches our understanding and informs targeted intervention strategies, ultimately improving mental health outcomes.

References

  • Freud, S. (1915). The unconscious. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIV (1914-1916): On the History of the Psycho-Analytic Movement, Papers and Lectures, 159-215.
  • Freud, S. (1917). Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Kaplan, H. I., & Sadock, B. J. (2015). Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychiatry (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
  • Maier, S. F., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2016). Learned helplessness: Theory and evidence. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 105(1), 3–46.
  • McLeod, S. A. (2019). Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychoanalysis.html
  • Durand, V. M., & Barlow, D. H. (2012). Essentials of Abnormal Psychology. Cengage Learning.
  • Gazzaniga, M. S., Ivry, R., & Mangun, G. R. (2018). Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind. Norton.
  • LeDoux, J. (1996). The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life. Simon & Schuster.
  • Shapiro, F. (2002). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.
  • Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner's Guide. Guilford Press.

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