Abnormal Psychology

Chapter 2
Conceptualizing Abnormal Psychology

One-Dimensional versus Multidimensional Models
 One-Dimensional Models
 Multidimensional Models
 The Role of Genes
 Neuroscience
 Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences
 Emotions
 Cultural, Social, and Interpersonal Factors
 Life-Span Development
 How do we put it all together?

One-Dimensional versus Multidimensional Models
 One-Dimensional Models
 Single cause, operating in isolation
 Linear causal model
 Ignores critical information

 Multidimensional Models
 Systemic
 Several independent inputs that become interdependent  Causes cannot be considered out of context What Caused Judy’s Phobia?
 Behavioral Factors
 Biological Factors
 Genetics
 Physiology
 Neurobiology
 Emotional Influences
 Social Factors
 Developmental Factors
 All of these interact interdependently

The Nature of Genes
 The Nature of genes
 What are genes?
 Long molecules of DNA
 Double Helix structure
 Located on chromosomes
 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs
 Pairs 1 – 22 = body and brain development
 Pair 23 = gender

The Nature of Genes
 Determine physical characteristics
 (e.g., weight)
 Importance of contextual factors
 Dominant vs. recessive genes
 Single-gene determinants
 Polygenetic influences
 Rule, not the exception

Genetic Contributions to Psychopathology
 Evidence of the complexity and the contextual nature of genetics:
 Quantitative genetics accounts for the small, individual effects of several genes
 Gene expression and gene-environment interactions New developments in the study of genes and behavior • Behavioral genetics

The Interaction of Genes and the Environment
 Eric Kandel—learning affects genetic structure of cells
 Activation of dormant genes
 Continued development in the brain
 Plasticity vs. hardwired
 Diathesis-Stress model

The Interaction of Genes and the Environment
 Diathesis:
 Inherited