PSYC 3390 Chapter 3: Chapter 3.doc

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 3390
• Professor: Mary Manson- Hennig

Document Summary

The search for causes of psychological abnormality is embedded in theories of what should influence psychological functioning. Causal factors and viewpoints: to explain the cause of the problem, to identify the factors that maintain the problem, to predict the course of the problem; and, to guide the development of effective treatment for the problem. Ideally it should be a theory"s soundness, refutabililty, and potential for contribution that holds the draw, but there are other factors too. For example, our own personal interests and experiences always influence us. If you experienced bullying as a child and suffered through years of terrible nightmares as a result, you might have a stronger interest in the relationship between psycho-social events and internal, psychological experiences. If you"ve experienced how dramatically chemicals can influence the very elements of your personality, perhaps you might be more curious about the chemical influences of the brain.