Question

Which of the following is not the biological cause of abnormality?

• A. Heredity
• B. Early deprivation
• C. Physique
• D. Endocrine glands

Hint:

To distinguish causes of abnormality, ask "Is this something the person is born with or part of their body's internal functioning (biological), or is it something that happened to them from the outside world (environmental/psychosocial)?" Early deprivation clearly falls into the second category.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires distinguishing between biological and environmental (or psychosocial) causes of abnormal behavior. Biological causes stem from the physical and genetic makeup of an individual. Environmental causes stem from experiences and social context.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Heredity: This refers to genetic inheritance from parents. Genetic predispositions are a primary biological cause of many mental disorders.
(C) Physique: This refers to body structure and constitution. While largely outdated, theories linking physique to abnormality are based on biological factors.
(D) Endocrine glands: These glands produce hormones. Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid problems, cortisol dysregulation) are a well-established biological cause of psychological symptoms.
(B) Early deprivation: This refers to a lack of necessary environmental inputs during childhood, such as emotional care, nutrition, or social stimulation. It can also include trauma or abuse. This is an environmental or psychosocial cause, not a biological one, although it can lead to biological changes in the brain. The origin of the cause is in the environment.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Heredity, physique, and endocrine glands are all considered biological factors. Early deprivation is an environmental/psychosocial factor. Therefore, it is not a biological cause of abnormality.