Question

Ravi has been showing signs of extreme social withdrawal and erratic mood swings. As a psychology student, how would you apply different approaches/models/factors to understand and explain any abnormal behaviour?

Hint:

In modern psychology, the "Biopsychosocial" approach is the most widely accepted as it combines the strengths of all these models to explain disorders.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Abnormal behavior can be understood through various theoretical perspectives. Each model emphasizes different factors as the primary cause of psychological distress.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
To understand Ravi’s withdrawal and mood swings, we can apply the following models:
1. Biological Model: This model would look for physical causes like genetic inheritance, chemical imbalances in the brain (neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine), or structural brain abnormalities.
2. Psychodynamic Model: This model would suggest that Ravi's behavior is a result of unconscious conflicts and repressed emotions from early childhood. His social withdrawal might be a defense mechanism.
3. Behavioral Model: This approach focuses on learned behaviors. It would suggest that Ravi might have been reinforced for withdrawal or observed such behavior in others (Modeling). It views abnormality as the result of faulty learning.
4. Cognitive Model: This model would examine Ravi's thought processes. It would suggest he holds irrational beliefs or "cognitive distortions" (e.g., "Everyone hates me," "I am a failure") that lead to mood swings and withdrawal.
5. Humanistic-Existential Model: This would focus on the lack of personal growth or the inability to find meaning in life. Ravi may feel that his current lifestyle is inauthentic or lacks fulfillment.
6. Socio-cultural Model: This model would examine the external environment, such as family stress, societal pressure, or cultural factors that might be contributing to his condition.
Step 3: Final Answer:
A comprehensive understanding of Ravi's condition requires the Diathesis-Stress Model, which integrates biological vulnerability with environmental stressors.