PS280 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Dependent Personality Disorder, Parasympathetic Nervous System, Labeling Theory
Document Summary
A way of interpreting, viewing, or explaining behaviour; like a lens that is used to see or understand a phenomenon in a particular way. Theories are based on principles, rules, norms, beliefs, and/or observations. Theories direct research, guide diagnostic decisions, and define treatment responses. Naturalistic theories have considered abnormal behaviour to be the result of either biological causes (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) Biological theories require researchers and clinicians look for a biological basis for disordered behaviour: they rely on a classification system that identifies the person as being disordered, the focus of treatment also relies on physical interventions. When biological or psychological perspectives are applied to specific problems, they become theories that detail the supposed causal chain that leads to dysfunctional behaviour. Two main explanations are used: single factor explanations and interactionist explanations. Attempts to tract the origins of a particular disorder to one factor. Most of these models reflect the primary focus of the researcher/theorist/clinician.
