Psychology · Ch 4 — Psychological Disorders
Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour
Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour
Understanding the Causes of Abnormal Behaviour
Abnormal behaviour is far too complex to be explained by any single cause. Psychologists therefore use multiple approaches, each focusing on a different aspect of human functioning. These approaches fall into three broad categories: biological, psychological (including interpersonal), and socio-cultural. The most comprehensive explanation comes from combining these perspectives.
Biological Factors
Our behaviour is influenced by biological processes at every level. A wide range of biological factors can interfere with normal development and functioning — faulty genes, endocrine imbalances, malnutrition, injuries, and other physical conditions. These can all be potential causes of abnormal behaviour.
The biological model holds that abnormal behaviour has a biochemical or physiological basis. Researchers have found that many psychological disorders are linked to problems in how messages are transmitted between neurons. As you studied in Class XI, neurons are separated by a tiny gap called the synapse, and messages must cross this gap. When an electrical impulse reaches a neuron's ending, it triggers the release of a chemical called a neurotransmitter.
Studies show that abnormal activity of specific neurotransmitters is linked to particular disorders:
| Disorder | Neurotransmitter Involved | Type of Abnormality |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety disorders | GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) | Low activity |
| Schizophrenia | Dopamine | Excess activity |
| Depression | Serotonin | Low activity |
Genetic factors have been linked to bipolar and related disorders, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, and other psychological disorders. However, researchers have not yet identified the specific genes responsible. In most cases, no single gene causes a particular behaviour or disorder. Instead, many genes combine to produce our behaviours and emotional reactions — both functional and dysfunctional.
Although there is strong evidence that genetic and biochemical factors are involved in disorders like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, biology alone cannot account for most mental disorders. Psychological and social factors are equally important.
Psychological Factors
Several psychological models emphasise that psychological and interpersonal factors play a significant role in abnormal behaviour. These factors include:
- Maternal deprivation — separation from the mother, or lack of warmth and stimulation during early years
- Faulty parent-child relationships — rejection, overprotection, over-permissiveness, faulty discipline
- Maladaptive family structures — inadequate or disturbed family environments
- Severe stress
The main psychological models are the psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive, and humanistic-existential models.
The Psychodynamic Model
This is the oldest and most famous of the modern psychological models, first formulated by Freud. Psychodynamic theorists believe that behaviour — whether normal or abnormal — is determined by psychological forces within the person of which they are not consciously aware. These internal forces are dynamic, meaning they interact with one another, and their interaction shapes behaviour, thoughts, and emotions.
Freud proposed that three central forces shape personality:
- Id — instinctual needs, drives, and impulses
- Ego — rational thinking
- Superego — moral standards
Abnormal symptoms are viewed as the result of conflicts between these forces. Freud stated that abnormal behaviour is a symbolic expression of unconscious mental conflicts that can generally be traced back to early childhood or infancy.
The Behavioural Model
This model states that both normal and abnormal behaviours are learned. Psychological disorders result from learning maladaptive ways of behaving. The model focuses on behaviours learned through conditioning and proposes that what has been learned can be unlearned.
Learning can take place through three types of conditioning:
- Classical conditioning — temporal association where two events repeatedly occur close together in time
- Operant conditioning — behaviour is followed by a reward
- Social learning — learning by imitating others' behaviour
These three types of conditioning account for behaviour, whether adaptive or maladaptive.
The Cognitive Model
This model states that abnormal functioning can result from cognitive problems. People may hold assumptions and attitudes about themselves that are irrational and inaccurate. They may also repeatedly think in illogical ways and make overgeneralisations — drawing broad, negative conclusions based on a single insignificant event.
The Humanistic-Existential Model
This model focuses on broader aspects of human existence.
Humanists believe that human beings are born with a natural tendency to be friendly, cooperative, and constructive, and are driven to self-actualise — to fulfil their potential for goodness and growth.
Existentialists believe that from birth we have total freedom to give meaning to our existence or to avoid that responsibility. Those who shirk this responsibility live empty, inauthentic, and dysfunctional lives.
Socio-Cultural Factors
In addition to biological and psychological factors, socio-cultural factors put stress on most of us and can lead to psychological problems in some individuals. These include:
- War and violence
- Group prejudice and discrimination
- Economic and employment problems
- Rapid social change
According to the socio-cultural model, abnormal behaviour is best understood in light of the social and cultural forces that influence an individual. Since behaviour is shaped by societal forces, factors such as family structure and communication, social networks, societal conditions, and societal labels and roles become important.
Family systems — some families have an enmeshed structure where members are overinvolved in each other's activities, thoughts, and feelings. Children from such families may have difficulty becoming independent.
Social networks — people who are isolated and lack social support (strong, fulfilling interpersonal relationships) are likely to become more depressed and remain depressed longer than those who have good friendships. …