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. Using your textbook, complete the
Assignment using the following outline:
I. Introduction
A. Background of the study
B. Purpose of the study
C. Overview of the paper
II. Historical perspective on understanding psychopathological behavior
A. One-cause approach
B. The impact of early theories on treatment and diagnosis
III. Current view on understanding psychopathological behavior
A. Multi-dimensional model
1. Biological factors
2. Psychological factors
3. Social and environmental factors
B. The impact of the multi-dimensional model on treatment and diagnosis
IV. Major approaches (theorized causes) of mental illness
A. Biological approach
B. Psychological approach
C. Sociocultural approach
V. Conclusion
A. Recap of key points
B. Significance of understanding multi-dimensional model and major approaches of mental illness
I. Introduction
A. Background of the study
Over the years, the understanding of psychopathological behavior has evolved significantly. In the past, there was a general acceptance of a one-cause approach, which attributed mental illness to a single factor or event. However, the current view acknowledges that mental illness is a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple causes. This shift in perspective has led to the development of the multi-dimensional model of mental illness, which takes into account various factors that contribute to the development of psychological disorders.
B. Purpose of the study
The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast the early ways of thinking about psychological disorders with the current view and to explore the multi-dimensional model and the major approaches (theorized causes) of mental illness. By understanding these different perspectives, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of psychopathological behavior and its underlying causes.
C. Overview of the paper
This paper will begin by discussing the historical perspective on understanding psychopathological behavior, focusing on the one-cause approach and its impact on treatment and diagnosis. It will then delve into the current view on understanding psychopathological behavior, highlighting the multi-dimensional model and its incorporation of biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors. The paper will also explore the major approaches (biological, psychological, and sociocultural) to understanding mental illness. The conclusion will summarize the key points discussed and emphasize the significance of understanding the multi-dimensional model and major approaches in the field of mental illness.
II. Historical perspective on understanding psychopathological behavior
A. One-cause approach
In the past, there was a prevailing belief that mental illness could be attributed to a single cause. This approach was influenced by early theories such as Freud’s psychoanalysis, which emphasized the role of unconscious conflicts in the development of psychological disorders. According to this perspective, mental illness was seen as a result of unresolved conflicts during childhood, particularly related to the development of the individual’s personality and their interaction with the environment.
B. The impact of early theories on treatment and diagnosis
The one-cause approach had significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Diagnostic systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), were heavily influenced by this perspective, focusing on specific symptoms and their underlying causes. Treatment approaches, such as psychotherapy, aimed to uncover and resolve these underlying conflicts through techniques such as free association and dream analysis.
III. Current view on understanding psychopathological behavior
A. Multi-dimensional model
The current view on understanding psychopathological behavior recognizes that mental illness is a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple factors. The multi-dimensional model takes into account three main dimensions of influence: biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors.
1. Biological factors
Biological factors play a significant role in the development of mental illness. Genetic predisposition, neurochemical imbalances, and structural abnormalities in the brain have been identified as contributing factors to various psychological disorders. Advances in neuroscience have provided valuable insights into the biological mechanisms underlying mental illness.
2. Psychological factors
Psychological factors refer to the individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to the development and maintenance of mental illness. These factors include maladaptive coping strategies, cognitive distortions, and unresolved traumas. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), focus on addressing these factors to promote recovery and well-being.
3. Social and environmental factors
Social and environmental factors, such as socio-economic status, family dynamics, and cultural influences, also contribute to the development of mental illness. Adverse childhood experiences, social isolation, and lack of support systems can increase the risk of developing psychological disorders. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of addressing social determinants of mental health in treatment and prevention strategies.
