Behavioural Model of Abnormality

Behavioural Model of Abnormality

1. Definition: Abnormality is a learn behaviour (We are all born as clean slates (Tabula Rasa)

   • Definition: Classical Conditioning, Social Learning and Operant Conditioning
     • Definition: If abnormal behaviour is REINFORCED, it will be repeated. If it is punished, it will stop. REINFORCED, REPEATED, REWARDED.
       • Evaluation
         • Strengths
           • Explains media Influence eg Anorexia and the "perfect model"
           • Convincing explanations to some disorders ie Phobia (use study to support)
           • Has led to successful behavioural therapies ie SD
         • Weaknesses
           • Reductionist and ignores other explanations ie schizophrenia which has biological explanations
           • Findings on animals cannot be generalised

2. Classical Conditioning

   • Learning occurs through associations
     • Unconditional (Natural) Stimuli are ASSOCIATED with behaviours which were PREVIOUSLY NEUTRAL (NS), so when the novel situation is encountered, the same response (CS) is portrayed
       • PAVLOV'S DOG (1927)
         • WATSON AND REYNER (1920)
           • LITTLE ALBERT
   • Learn to have abnormal responces to previous stimuli

3. Operant Conditioning

   • Learning occurs through reinforcemrnt
     • Responses which are rewarded (reinforced) will therefore be repeated due to gaining pleasure from them. If punished behaviours will be avoided.
       • RAT IN SKINNER'S BOX
   • If maladaptive behaviours are rewarded, psychological disorders emerge.

4. Social Learning

   • Learning occurs through observations
     • Bandura's Bobo Doll (1961)
       • Found that children imitated aggressive behaviours that they observed.
         • Especially if behaviours go without punisment

5. Behavioural Treaments

   • SYSTEMATIC DESENSITISATION
     • 1. Relaxation Training
     • 2. Anxiety Hierachy
     • 3. Reciprocal Inhibition
     • 4. Progression
     • 5. Complete Treatment
     • Evaluation
       • Weaknesses
         • Flooding/ Immersion therapy is cheaper, quicker and just as successful as SD
         • Only cures symptoms, not underlying problem, so it's possible another abnormal behaviour will take it's place = Symptom substitution
       • Strengths
         • Less Effort than some therapies. McGrath et al (1990) said that 75% of patients with phobias responded well to SD.
         • Emmelkamp (1994) found that imagined stressful situations can reduce anxiety in real life situations
   • Helps individual face phobia without letting fear take over (Based on Classical Conditioning)

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