Abnormal Psychology Maladaptive Behavior Essay

Briefly describe each of the major theoretical perspectives in maladaptive behavior. Which of the perspectives do you believe is the ‘right’ perspective, or is there a ‘right’ perspective? Biological Perspective: Suggests that all disorders physical or behavioral have biological causes. Causes may lie in heredity, genetic accident, or bodily infection, or trauma(Sarason, 2005) Psychodynamic Perspective: Point of view that emphasizes thoughts and emotions as the most important determiners of behavior. Basic ideas come from the work of Sigmund Freud(Sarason, 2005). Behavioral Perspective: A theory of behavior based on the idea that much of a person’s behavior is learned rather than genetically based. According to this view, behavior is based on past experiences with the environment(Sarason, 2005). Cognitive Perspective: Point of view that considers behavior to be the result of information processing and problem solving. Emphasis is on mental processes of which the individual is aware or can easily become aware(Sarason, 2005). Humanistic-existential Perspective: The idea that all individuals are unique and should be free to make their own choices about life directions. Emphasizes the creative freedom and potential of the individual(Sarason, 2005). Community Cultural Perspective: Viewpoint that much maladaptive behavior results from poor living conditions, discrimination, and so on. Emphasis is on preventive activities(Sarason, 2005). I personally believe each perspective is important, I do not think one could be better than the other, because the human body in all its parts is so complex, whether it be your culture, genetics, your uniqueness, learned behavior etc†¦ I just believe it can be a combination of perspectives depending on the individual at hand.