Psychology Assignment Essay

Submitted By chihuri21
Words: 895
Pages: 4
Open Document
A range of models is used to explain the concepts of normal and abnormal behaviour alongside difficulties related to diagnosis of mental health illnesses. This evaluation will discuss how behaviour is explained by the biological and cognitive models.

The concepts of normal and abnormal behaviour are social constructs whose definitions differ over time and across cultures. Social norms change over time, impacting upon which category behaviour is placed. For instance, homosexuality was previously viewed as abnormal, unlawful behaviour throughout our western society yet today it is recognised as normal, lawful behaviour. Most definitions of psychological abnormality are ethnocentric leading to a disproportionate number of certain diagnoses amongst specific ethnic groups or socioeconomic statuses. Another perspective suggests that a person's behaviour is abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life (Rosenham and Seligman, 1989). A diagnosis for a mental illness may depend on one's culture, the services they access and the psychiatrist who assesses and possibly diagnoses them. One's mental illness may be undiagnosed for some time. This is problematic in terms of receiving treatment as for example, antipsychotics commonly used to treat schizophrenia show a better response when started earlier. The label of having a mental illness may lead to discrimination.

The biological model views abnormal behaviour much as it views physical illness. It assumes mental illnesses to have an organic cause such as genetics, biochemical imbalances or changes in the brain. For instance, low levels of serotonin are used to explain the symptoms of depression such as disturbed sleep, appetite and periods of very low mood. The cognitive model assumes abnormal behaviour is a result of maladaptive thinking processes such as faulty or irrational thoughts or perceptions and faulty processing of information. For example, a depressed individual may interpret siuations as being their fault when in reality these situations occur accidentally or are beyond their control. Faulty thinking can result from polarised thinking, over-generalising or catastrophic thinking (Kxantz and Hammen, 1979). Beck's (1967) cognitive triad regards negative schemas and cognitive biases affecting one's negative views about their world, themselves and their future. These views lead on to each other, possibly leading into or perpetuating depression. Evidence of maladaptive thinking in a large proportion of those suffering from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety exists (Clark and Watson, 1991). The biological model argues there is a genetic predisposition to developing mental illnesses. Gottesman (1991) found a 48% concordance rate of schizophrenia in monozygotic twins. It is vital to consider the role of environmental factors. Monozygotic twins are more likely to have similar experiences and be brought up in similar environments. Furthermore, elevated levels of dopamine are related to the symptoms of schizophrenia which include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, emotions and behaviour.

The biological model favours physical interventions such as drug therapy, electro-convulsive therapy to treat mental illness. Commonly SSRIs (selective-serotinin-reuptake-inhibitors) are prescribed for treatment as they are believed to reduce symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, drug treatment can be problematic as side effects may be intolerable for individuals, for instance, excessive weight gain from antipsychotics. This reduces compliance, increasing the likelihood for relapse. Some drugs may be addictive, leading to substance misuse. Ethical implications need to be considered as arguably drugs may be used to control individuals. On the other hand, drug treatment is more convenient, cheaper and relatively quicker acting in comparison to talking therapies, such as
Show More

Related Documents: Psychology Assignment Essay

Assignment Two Psychology Essay

Diploma in Health and Social Care Student Name: Group: 1 Task: 2 / 2 Minimum Target Grade: Aspirational Target Grade: Assessor Name: Rachel Ostick I. V. Name: Paula Collins Unit: Unit 8 - Psychological Perspectives for Health and Social Care Assignment Title: Psychological Approaches to Health and Care Practice Date Set: 31/03/14 First Deadline: 02/06/14 Final Deadline: (Learning and review) 23/06/14 Evidence required: Report Specific Assessment Guidance: Recommended research sources: Books…

Words 618 - Pages 3

Final Assignment Psychology Essay

trouble sleeping, feeling “jumpy all of the time”, and that she is experiencing an in ability to concentrate. She is an accountant, and the symptoms that she is having are causing problems for her at work. After reviewing the “Faces of Abnormal Psychology Interactive” (Kohn, 2007) website, I would say that Marla is suffering from major depression. According to the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), patients that suffer from major depression experience a minimum…

Words 1553 - Pages 7

Essay Assignment: Psychology and Psychologist a Psychologist

outlook in order to be successful. As a result of studying the characteristics of this career, one will become more qualified. To emphasize, one must be familiar with the duties and definition of a psychologist. Psychology is the way people think and behave. The field of psychology has a number of subdisciplines all pertaining to the study of the different levels and contexts of human thought and behavior. Psychologists in the military conduct experiments to determine the best equipment design…

Words 529 - Pages 3

Psychology: Typography and Assignment Essay example

INSERT HERE 1 This is the Title of My Assignment My Name Course Name Walden University Repeat Your Title Here This is where you introduce the purpose and format of the paper (Note that you do not type “Introduction”). Keep in mind that each section (under each heading) will need at least one paragraph (i.e., a minimum of three sentences). The maximum page length for this Assignment is four pages. Please note that the title page and references do not count…

Words 443 - Pages 2

psychology week 4 assignment Essay

My personal goal is going to be to get my credit score up in the next three years so I can get a loan for a house. My Fianc’e and I are currently spending four thousand and eight hundred dollars a year renting a house that we will never own. Our goal together is that we are going to get married in two years and then a year later, apply for a loan to get us our first home that we will own together. I have terrible credit which is why I am making it my personal goal to get my credit score up within…

Words 656 - Pages 3

Essay about Assignment: Psychology and Psychodynamic Approach

Observation of Theory Applied to Practice Case Western Reserve University Ronald W. Barker 1/17/2015 Identifying Data/Reason for Referral Client is a male in his 30’s who is experiencing problems with his occupational supervisor. He reports experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression. The client reports these cognitive issues have manifested themselves into somatic complications. Two Approaches During the next two sessions the therapists offer varying difference of approaches, the Psychodynamic…

Words 1075 - Pages 5

Phycology: Psychology and Phycology Assignment Guipeng Essay

phycology assignment Guipeng Jiao wilder penfield is popular for his neural stimulation. in the 1930s, with his colleague herbert jasper, he invented the Montreal procedure in which he was able to treat patients with severe epilepsy by destroying nerve cells in the brain where the seizures are originated. when operating on patient’s brain, he stimulated the cerebral cortex with electrical probes and observed the response, because there is no pain receptor in people’s brain so they only did local…

Words 732 - Pages 3

Assignment 4 Psychology And Sociology Of Health Task 2 Laura O Essay

Assignment 4 Psychology and Sociology of health Task 2 Laura O’Neill Once an individual has been diagnosed with an illness there are many issues that may affect the way they react and cope with this life changing event. For this assignment I will use case study Frank to examine how he may react to his illness evaluating issues involved in his response to his diagnosis. Being diagnosed with myocardial infarction can have a profound impact on anybody’s life and…

Words 1592 - Pages 7

Psychology I Assignment 1 Invoking human behavior 2 23 2014 Essay

Innabi, Natalie 88-528-8471 Psychology I Assignment 1 – Invoking human behavior in a public setting Abstract: This is a research paper on invoking human behavior in a public setting preferably in a mall by 1 person doing something in a peculiar fashion that draws attention to the passerby. Introduction: Can human behavior be invoked from passerby’s by a single action with no verbal communication, physical interaction, or direct contact? During this study I performed research in a public…

Words 744 - Pages 3

Evaluate The Concepts Of Positive And Negative Reinforcement As They Relate To Your Selected Learning Situation

This pack contains PSYCH 550 Week 4 Individual Assignment Instrumental Conditioning Paper Psychology - General Psychology In preparation for this assignment, select a learning situation (e.g., learning how to ride a bike, learning how to cook scrambled eggs). Prepare a 1,050 to 1,400-word paper in which you evaluate the application of instrumental conditioning to your selected learning situation. As a part of your evaluation, be sure to address the following items: Describe your selected…

Words 469 - Pages 2