Behavioural Model of Psychopathology

Central theme of Behavioural Model

‘Learning’ Abnormal or maladaptive behaviour is the consequence of faulty learning. 

Psychopathology

            The science that studies and diagnose psychological disorders.

Chronology of Behaviourist Model

1.         Origin - Ivan Pavlov (1849 – 1936) – Classical Conditioning.

2.         Expansion – J B Watson (1878 – 1958) – Little Albert Experiment.

            E L Thorndike (1874 -1949) – Cat Experiment.

            B F Skinner (1904 - 1990) – Operant Conditioning.

 

Discovery of Pathological Issues

 1.         Experimental Neurosis (1914) – Ivan Pavlov speculated that on the basis to reaction to life stresses human being is of two types: -

            (a)        Artistic type – Intense, vivid and highly responsive to external stimulation. These are prone             to hysterical or manic-depressive reactions.

            (b)        Thinking type – Quiet, contemplative, and more responsive to verbal concepts and ideas.        They are prone to OCD and schizophrenic reactions.

2.         Development and Generalization of Irrational Fear (1920) – JB Watson started with the assumption that “If Psychology were ever to become a science, it must limit itself to the study of events that could be objectively observed. With little Albert experiment he demonstrated that development and generalization of an irrational fear suggested that other types of abnormal behaviour might also be the result of learning.

3.         Removal of Irrational Fear (1924) – Mary Cover Jones succeeded in eliminating the irrational fear by maintaining balance between positive tendency with negative one.

 

Defining Features

1.         Reward and Punishment (1913) – EL Thorndike suggested the idea of significant role reward

and punishment on human behaviour by introducing the law of effect.

2.         Stimuli: the Behaviour Controlling Tool (1953) – BF Skinner emphasized the use of stimuli to control behaviour from outside the organism. Stimuli can be manipulated to control the learning and behaviour of the organism.

 

Behaviourist Concepts That Have Role in Psychopathology

1.         Generalization – Experiences are instrumental in dealing with new situations. But there are high chances of making inappropriate generalizations which may lead to irrational notions (दूध का जला छाछ को भी फूंक-फूंक कर पीता है).

2.         Discrimination

– The ability to differentiate between stimuli is important ability for survival (जहरीले और बिना जहर वाले सांप के बीच अंतर). Failure to discriminate between stimuli may invite problems and may lead to psychological disorganization and inefficient coping ability. Adolescents commonly makes this mistake by not able to discrimination between responsible and irresponsible behaviour.

3.         Modelling, Shaping, and Learned Drives – Important concepts suggested by behaviorists.

            (a)        Modelling means observing other’s behaviour and imitating. Faulty or maladaptive      observation [child living in unfortunate home environment] may lead to inappropriate behaviour             leading to rejection, dejection and finally to abnormality.

            (b)        Shaping means giving shape to a desired behaviour by reinforcing through successive         approximation. The inappropriate successive reinforcement may lead to shaping a behaviour that            may be unacceptable. Subsequently leading to abnormal behaviour.

            (c)        Learned Drives are the extensions of primary motives. Motives that help in gratification      are learned and applied thereof. Learning maladaptive motives may lead to maladaptive behaviours.

In a nutshell

1.         Failure to learn necessary adaptive behaviour leads to maladaptive behaviour (Abnormality).

2.         Learning inappropriate responses can result in abnormal behaviour.

3.         Learning from stressful situations which are difficult to handle or beyond the control of the learner (Experimental neurosis).

4.         Learning by observing unsuitable role model (Bollywood).

5.         Learning by observing or experiencing an emotional trauma (Terrorist attack).

6.         Behaviour shaping by reinforcement for wrong reasons (Suicide bombers and terrorists).

 

References:

1.         Verma, L. P. (1965). Psychiatry in ayurveda. Indian J Psychiatry. 1965;7:292.

2.         पांडेय, जगदानंद. (1956). असामान्य मनोविज्ञान. पटना: ग्रंथमाला प्रकाशन कार्यालय।

3.         Coleman, J. C. (1981). Abnormal psychology and modern life.

 

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