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.
No comments:
Post a Comment