Question

Answer the following question: 
Discuss the biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives of viewing abnormal behavior.

Answer 1

The biological model emphasized the role of the nervous system in mental disorder. This approach seeks to understand such disorders in terms of malfunctioning of portions of the brain imbalances in various neurotransmitters and genetic factors. Disorder of CNS, ANS or endocrine system, either inherited or caused by some excess destruction of brain tissue.

• Neurotransmitter and abnormal imbalance in the brain, imbalance of neurotransmitters.
• Genetic vulnerability, depression, schizophrenia, and alcoholism only manifest in later life. Teen or adulthood temperament.
• Chromosomal abnormalities – Down’s Syndrome.

It is seen that many mental disorders show a high degree of concordance among close relatives. If one family member develops a disorder, others are at increased risk for developing it too. The biological model has become increasingly influential in recent years as advances in neuroscience have revealed more and more about the role of various portion of the brain in many aspects of behavior, and as techniques for observing the functioning of the brain (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging, PET scans.) have improved.

Psychological factors too can be important. The psychological perspective emphasizes the role of basic psychological process in the occurrence of mental disorders. For instance, many psychologists believe that learning plays a key role in many disorders. An example, phobias, or excessive fears of objects or situations.

The psychological perspective also emphasized the role of cognitive factors in mental disorders. For instance, many theories of depression suggest that long-lasting negative feelings often stem firm faulty patterns of thoughts. The psychological perspective also takes account of unconscious forces and conflicts within individuals the factors also vividly emphasized by Freud and his followers.

Social-cultural factors do play a role in mental disorders. Psychologists and other mental health professionals believe that they do, and print to the important role of such social variables as poverty, unemployment, inferior education, and prejudice, as potential causes of at least some mental disorders. In other words, the socio-cultural perspective emphasizes the fact that external factors such as negative environments, a disadvantaged position in society and cultural tradition can play a role in mental disorders. Rapid technological advancements may increase stress.