PSYC 3140 Chapter : Abnormal Psych Ch 2
13 Jan 2012
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Assessing the biological theories: the theories are reductionist, since they just base it on firing of neurons and genes, much of the studies come from research w/ animals instead of humans. Cognitive theories are not always good, since we are unable to determine whether ones cognition is a cause for abnormality or an abnormality causes a certain cognitive process. Humanistic and existential theories of abnormality: pressure for people to conform to norms, interferes with the capacity of a fulfilling life. 2. 3 social and interpersonal approaches: social approaches focuses abnormalities on the social structures of ones life; can be due to marriage/family, neighborhood, social class, or culture. Family systems theories of abnormality: the family is a complex system that tries to maintain a status quo. If a member of the family has a mental disorder, these therapists will say it is a problem with the dysfunctional family; based on their cohesiveness, problem with change or communication.
