Question

3. Choose two approaches to abnormal psychology (psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, biological, sociocultural). Compare and contrast their approaches to clinical assessment. What types of assessment tools (e.g., projective tests, self-monitoring diaries, observation) reflect each of the following paradigms: psychodynamic, cognitive, biological, and behavioral?

Answer 1

Psychodynamic v/s Behavioural approach to abnormal psychology

Psychotherapy has its roots in Freudian psychodynamic theory which considers the role of unconscious as crucial in determining the overt behaviour. The training period involved in learning psychotherapy is long and also involves working with clients as a part of clinical practice in order to hone one’s skill. Another important aspect of the training process is resolving one’s unconscious issues during practice in order to be more objective. This means that continuous self reflection, looking into one’s past and making meaning & interconnections is a part of psychotherapeutic training. The approach to clinical assessment therefore involves long term collaboration between the client and the psychotherapist. Here, the two attempt to reflect deeper into the unconscious of the client in order to make meaning of the conflicts that may be persisting. These conflicts may be pathological, causing the distress & disequilibrium for the client.

Behavioural approach on the other hand only considers the overt behaviour while treating a client. This means consciousness & conscious choices as well as decision making are focused at versus that of psychodynamic where unconscious is of primary importance. It is believed that our cognition i.e. thought processes have great influence over our emotions as well as behaviour. The same is therefore focused at during therapy. More interaction leads to the distorted perception/thoughts, thereby impacting the behaviour of the individual. Behaviourists here provide importance only to the overt behaviour which is considered to be a possible culmination of altered thought patterns. The aim of therapeutic intervention is therefore to correct thee thought distortions in order to help the person heal. Here, the person is held entirely accountable of their state since consciousness is the basis of the school of thought as opposed to that of Freudian approach whereby a person may not be in full control of his own choices & behaviour.

Moreover, assessment tools used for psychodynamic approach may comprise of projective techniques since they are considered as fine indicators of a person’s unconscious. Similarly, for cognitive & behavioural approach self reflection (tapping of thoughts & cognitive patterns) as well as observation (for understanding behavioural patterns) may be helpful. Self monitoring diaries are used by cognitive behaviour therapists in order to help the client keep a conscious tap of their thoughts, emotions and behaviour. This is to help them identify the distortions in their own thoughts in order to consciously rectify them in future.