COGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE OF ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR

cognitive-behavioural perspective

Perspectives to understanding the causes of Abnormal Behaviour

Index

5. COGNITIVE THERAPY

1. INTRODUCTION

6. IMPACT OF THE COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL PERSPECTIVE

2. SCHEMAS

3. COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS

7. HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVE

4. ATTRIBUTIONS, ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

8. EXISTENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

INTRODUCTION

SONA MARIA SONY

The cognitive-behavioral perspective is a psychological approach that focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It suggests that our emotions and actions are influenced by the way we perceive and interpret the world around us. This perspective emphasizes the importance of identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to promote mental well-being and personal growth. Certainly, the evolution of psychology since the 1950s has witnessed a significant shift towards understanding the intricate relationship between cognitive processes and behavior.

This transition was prompted by a departure from the mechanistic views of traditional behavioral theories, which largely overlooked the role of mental processes in shaping emotions and actions.Albert Bandura, a prominent learning theorist, played a pivotal role in advancing the cognitive-behavioral perspective. He emphasized the impact of cognitive aspects on learning, underscoring how human behavior is regulated by internal symbolic processes—our thoughts.

Bandura's notion of "self-direction" and his subsequent theory of "self-efficacy" highlighted the capacity for individuals to shape their behavior through internal problem-solving. While Bandura's work retained ties to learning theory, other cognitive-behavioral theorists pursued a more comprehensive focus on cognitive processes and their profound influence on behavior. Presently, the cognitive or cognitive-behavioral perspective in the study of abnormal behavior predominantly centers around the distortion of thoughts and information processing, leading to maladaptive emotions and actions.

Central to this perspective is the concept of a "schema," borrowed from cognitive psychology and championed by Aaron Beck. These schemas represent underlying structures of knowledge that guide how information is processed, often resulting in distortions in attention, memory, and comprehension. As people develop diverse schemas based on their individual temperament, abilities, and experiences, the cognitive-behavioral approach underscores the intricate interplay between cognition and behavior in shaping human responses to the world around them.

SCHEMA

RIYA SURESH KUMAR

WHAT IS SCHEMA?

A schema outlines the ways in which people think and act to make sense of the world. We employ schemas because they enable us to effectively interpret the large amount of information that is readily available in our surroundings. Developed by Jean Piaget in the theory of cognitive development.

• Schemas are viewed as a mental organizing structure.
• Schemas represent the inner patterns of experience.
• This include ideas, feelings, memories, and beliefs.
• When a child's fundamental needs are unmet, maladaptive schemas develop.
• These fundamental requirements could be things like: security, safety, nurturing, acceptance, respect, autonomy, direction, guidance, love, attention, approval, self-expression, joy, enjoyment, and relaxation.
• Young argues that the reason why persons with personality disorders struggle is because these fundamental requirements were not addressed when they were young.

• These unfulfilled requirements cause the emergence of early maladaptive schemas.

• these early maladaptive schemas are described by him as being big, all-encompassing relationship topics.
• They start to take shape in early childhood and evolved further during the course of a person's lifetime.
• They have a substantial level of dysfunction. (Young, 2005)

TYPES OF SCHEMA

GROUP SCHEMA

SELF SCHEMA

PERSON SCHEMA

a cognitive framework comprising organized information and beliefs about the self that guides a person’s perception of the world.

When it comes to certain communities or groups, we will be conscious of how individuals are behaving.

Configurations of personality traits that we use to categorize people and to make inference about their behavior.

ROLE SCHEMA

EVENT SCHEMA

Is a norm and expected behavior from people with a specific the in society. It includes both Ascribed and Achieved roles. Ascribed roles include social categories such as age, gender etc. Achieved role includes occupation and professions like doctor, teacher etc

is commonly referred to as cognitive scripts that describe behavioral and event sequences in daily activities. They provide the basis for anticipating the future, setting goals, and making plans.

Cognitive-Behavioral Theory Expanded: Schema Theory

Schema theory considers the early causes of skewed thinking, unlike traditional cognitive-behavioral theory. Experiential-emotional procedures are heavily weighted in the therapy connected with this theory in order to repair broken personality structures, in addition to more conventional cognitive techniques. According to Young and Klosko (2005), schema therapy has lately become a successful treatment for borderline personality disorder

Jeffrey Young, Ph.D., a psychologist, developed the schema theory. It is regarded as an integrative strategy because it connects several psychological theories. Although it is primarily based on cognitive-behavioral theory, attachment theory and object relations theory are also included.

HOW SCHEMAS CHANGE?

The processes through which schemas are adjusted or changed are known as assimilation and accommodation. In Assimilation, new information is incorporated into pre-existing schemas. In Accommodation, existing schemas might be altered or new schemas might be formed as a person learns new information and has new experiences.

CHALLENGES OF SCHEMA

While the use of schemas to learn, in most situations, occurs automatically or with little effort, sometimes an existing schema can hinder the learning of new information. By holding certain beliefs about a particular group of people, this existing schema may cause people to interpret situations incorrectly. When an event happens that challenges these existing beliefs, people may come up with alternative explanations that uphold and support their existing schema instead of adapting or changing their beliefs

COGNITIVE DISTORTION

PRINCE T. VINOD

Breaking the Mold: How Schemas and Cognitive Distortions Shape Our Daily Lives

Have you ever found yourself jumping to conclusions or making assumptions about a situation without all the facts? Or maybe you've noticed that you tend to see things in a certain way, even when others view them differently. These are examples of how our schemas, or mental frameworks, can affect our perception of the world around us. In today's presentation, we will explore the concept of schemas and how they relate to cognitive distortions. We'll discuss why it's important to recognize and challenge these distortions in order to improve our thinking patterns and behavior. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the fascinating world of cognitive psychology!

WHAT ARE SCHEMAS?

Schemas are mental frameworks that help us organize and make sense of the information we receive from the world around us. They are like templates that allow us to quickly process new information by fitting it into a pre-existing structure. For example, if you have a schema for 'dog', you might expect dogs to have fur, four legs, and bark. When you encounter a new dog, you will automatically use this schema to interpret its features and behavior. However, schemas can also lead to errors in perception when they are too rigid or inaccurate. If someone has a negative schema for a particular group of people, they may interpret their actions in a negative light even if those actions are harmless.

Cognitive distortions are patterns of thinking that can lead to inaccurate or irrational beliefs. There are several types of cognitive distortions, including black-and-white thinking, overgeneralization, and catastrophizing. Black-and-white thinking involves seeing things in extremes, such as believing that everything is either good or bad with no middle ground. Overgeneralization involves making sweeping conclusions based on a single event or experience. Catastrophizing involves imagining the worst-case scenario and assuming that it will happen

TYPES OF COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS

HOW COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS AFFECT OUR THINKING?

Cognitive distortions can have a profound impact on our thinking and behavior. When we engage in distorted thinking patterns, we may experience negative emotions like anxiety, depression, or anger. For example, if someone has a tendency to catastrophize situations, they may become overwhelmed with fear and anxiety about potential negative outcomes, even when there is little evidence to support these fears. Additionally, cognitive distortions can also lead to maladaptive behaviors. For instance, if someone engages in all-or-nothing thinking, believing that they must be perfect or else they are a complete failure, they may avoid taking risks or trying new things altogether. This can limit their growth and development, as well as prevent them from achieving their goals.

Identifying and challenging cognitive distortions

One strategy for identifying cognitive distortions is to keep a thought diary. This involves writing down your thoughts and feelings in response to a particular situation, and then analyzing them for any distortions. For example, if you find yourself catastrophizing (thinking the worst-case scenario) about a situation, you can challenge this distortion by asking yourself what evidence there is to support this belief, and what evidence there is against it. Another strategy is to practice mindfulness. This involves being present in the moment and observing your thoughts without judgment. By doing so, you can become more aware of any distortions that may be present and learn to let go of them. Mindfulness can also help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness, which can be helpful in identifying and challenging cognitive distortions.

In conclusion, recognizing and challenging cognitive distortions is a crucial step in improving our daily lives. By becoming aware of our own schemas and thought patterns, we can begin to break free from negative thinking and behavior. It's important to remember that this process takes time and effort, but the benefits are worth it. We discussed how schemas affect our perception of the world and how cognitive distortions can lead to negative thinking patterns. We also provided strategies for identifying and challenging these distortions. By implementing these strategies, we can improve our mental health and overall well-being.

CONCLUSION

ATTRIBUTIONS, ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

NIDHA SHANAVAS

THE COGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE SUGGESTS THAT IT IS NOT EVENTS, BUT OUR ATTRIBUTIONS ABOUT EVENTS, THAT INFLUENCE OUR FEELINGS AND BEHAVIOURS.

FOR INSTANCE, IF YOU ARE HOME ALONE, AT NIGHT AND HEAR A STRANGE NOISE, YOU MAY BELIEVE IT WAS CAUSED BY THE WIND AND DO NOTHING.BUT, IF YOU BELIEVE IT WAS CAUSED BY AN INTRUDER, YOU MAY GRAB A LARGE KNIFE (AND A LARGE PHONE) LIKE DREW BARRYMORE IN THE MOVIE "SCREAM".

what is attribution?

It includes finding out the causes of our own behaviour as well as other’s.

It is the process by which we assign causes to the different thigs that happen.

Causal attributions help us predict what we or others are likely to do in the future.

Attributions are made in order to understand different experiences.

ATTRIBUTIONS MADE BY PEOPLE CAN BE CLASSIFIED AS =INTERNAL ATTRIBUTION=EXTERNAL ATTRIBUTION

TYPES OF ATTRIBUTION

INTERNAL ATTRIBUTION

=It is also called DISPOSITIONAL ATTRIBUTION.=Here, people infer that a person's behaviour is due to personal factors such as traits, abilities, feelings etc.

external ATTRIBUTION

=It is also called SITUATIONAL ATTRIBUTION.=Here, people infer that a person's behaviour is due to situational factors.

difference between dispositional attribution andsituational attribution

When people make attributions, they are actually making guesses about the causes of events or behaviours which could often be wrong. Attribution Bias includes: =FUNDAMENTAL ATTRIBUTION ERROR =SELF SERVING BIAS =JUST WORLD HYPOTHESIS

attribution bias

fundamental attribution error

It is the tendency to attribute other people's behaviour to internal factors such as personality traits, abilities and feelings.

It is also called correspondence bias because it is assumed that other people’s behaviour corresponds to their personal attributes.

On the other hand, when explaining their own behaviour people tend to attribute it to situational factors.

self serving bias

Therefore, the further in the past an event is, the more likely people are to congratulate themselves for successes and to blame situations in the case of failures.

It is the tendency to attribute successes to internal factors while attributing failures to situational factors.

The bias tends to increase as time passes after an event.

the just world hypothesis

Other people’s success tend to be attributed to situational factors and their failures to internal factors. Unfortunately this hypothesis leads to a tendency to blame the victim

It refers to the need to believe that the world is fair and that people receive what they deserve. It gives people a sense of security and helps them in finding meaning in difficult circumstances.

People are less generous about other people than themselves.

It is a characteristic way in which an individual tends to assign causes to bad events or good events.

ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE

HOW DOES IT EXPLAIN PSYCHOPATHOLOGY?

NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE

This is the tendency to explain negative events by referring to their own internal, stable, and global qualities. People with a negative attributional style say things such as the following: =“I failed because I am no good” (an internal attribution). =“I always fail” (a stable attribution). ="I fail in everything” (a global attribution).

effects of negative attributional style

POSITIVE ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE

Refers to ways of explaining events that are related to high self-esteem and a tendency to explain the negative events they experience by referring to external, unstable, and specific qualities. Thus people with a positive attributional style are likely to say things such as the following:“I failed because the task is very difficult” (an external attribution). “I will do better next time” (an unstable attribution). “I failed in this domain, but I’m good in other things” (a specific attribution).

effects of positive attributional style

Cultural Influence on Attribution Style

COLLECTIVISTIC CULTURE

INDIVIDUALISTISTIC CULTURE

ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE AND MENTAL HEALTH

COGNITIVE THERAPY

BENITE ANN MATHEW

COGNITIVE THERAPY

Cognitive behavioural theorists and clinicians have simply attributed the cause of maladaptive emotions and behaviour to underlying cognitions Supporting Beck's perspective is the idea that the way we interpret events and experiences determine our emotional reaction to it.

Aaron Beck (considered as the founder of cognitive therapy) has influenced the development of cognitive behavioural treatment approaches to various forms of psychopathology (the scientific study of mental illness and disorders).

For example, someone with a history of limited close relationships may, over time, develop a schema like ‘I am unlovable.’ Schemas can constitute particular vulnerabilities to interpret certain types of experiences inaccurately. For instance, if a person believes they are unlovable, then they may interpret a colleague not inviting them to a party as further evidence of their unlovability rather than considering that the party was only for that person's family members or that they were actually invited but did not see the invitation.

Cognitive behavioural therapists use different techniques like exposure therapy (a technique used by therapists to help people overcome fears and anxieties by breaking the pattern of fear and avoidance.), that are designed to alter any negative cognitive biases that the client has.

It is different from psychodynamic practice as CBT focuses more on the present than the past. It focuses on your cognition and developed schemas that direct you to maladaptive cognitions

IMPACT OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL PERSPECTIVE

SINTA BINU

The cognitive behavioral viewpoint had a powerful impact on contemporary clinical psychology.Many researchers and clinicians have found support for the principle of altering human behavior through changing the way people think about themselves and others. B.F.Skinner (1990),remained true to behaviorism.His viewpoint was that cognitions are not observable phenomena and as such, cannot be relied on as solid empirical data. Wolpe(1988,1993)another founder of behaviour therapy, also remained highly critical of the cognitive perspective until his death in 1997. This approach has also been greatly advanced by the accumulation of sophisticated information-processing studies of the effects of emotion on cognition and behavior.

The cognitive-behavioral perspective is a widely used and influential approach in psychology that emphasizes the interaction between thoughts,emotions and behaviors & has significant impacts on various aspects of psychology and mental health treatment.

The cognitive-behavioral perspective is a widely used and influential approach in psychology that emphasizes the interaction between thoughts,emotions and behaviors & has significant impacts on various aspects of psychology and mental health treatment.

Sections like this help you create order

Some key impacts of the cognitive-behavioral perspective:

Cognitive restructuring: Clients can experience a reduction in emotional distress & better adopt to challenging situations.

Evidence-based treatment: Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) is one of the most well- researched & empirically supported forms of psychotherapy.

Behavioral techniques: They help clients confront fears ,engage in positive activities & develop more adaptive behavior.

Focus on the present and practical strategies: cognitive-behavioral therapy emphasizes dealing with current problems & developing practical coping strategies.

Holistic approach: It enables therapists to address multiple aspects of a client’s experience simultaneously.

Prevention and relapse prevention: CBT helps to handle stressors & challenges in the future more effectively.

Adaptability to diverse populations: It’s a versatile approach that can be applied to different populations.

Integration with technology: makes therapy more accessible & convenient for many individuals.

Impact on other fields: Cognitive behavioral perspective has influenced other area of psychology

Thus the cognitive-behavioral perspective has made significant contributions to the field of psychology by providing many effective techniques.Its continued influence is likely to shape the future of mental health treatment & research.

CONCLUSION

HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVE

ELSIT REJI

Humanistic perspective is the psychological approach that emphasizes an individual’s inherent drive for personal growth, self-actualization, and fulfillment. It focuses on understanding human behavior through the lens of subjective experiences, emotions, and self-perception, rather than solely relying on external factors or unconscious processes. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the fulfillment of one’s potential. This perspective looks at abnormal behavior as a result of incongruence between a person’s self-concept and their actual experiences. It places emphasis on the individual’s unique experiences and feelings, rather than solely relying on clinical diagnoses or external factors.​

WHO DEVELOPED HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVE?​

The Humanistic perspective in psychology was primarily developed by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers during the mid 20th century.They played significant role in shaping and popularizing this approach,which emphasizes the importance of human potential,self-actualization and the subjective experience in understanding human behaviour and mental well-being.​ Abraham Maslow is known for his significant contribution to the humanistic perspective in psychology through his development of the hierarchy of needs theory. This theory outlines a pyramid of human needs, ranging from basic physiological needs to higher-level psychological needs like self-esteem and self-actualization. Maslow’s work emphasized the importance of understanding individuals’ motivation and self-fulfillment, shifting focus from solely studying pathologies to exploring human potential and personal growth. ​ Carl Rogers made significant contributions to the humanistic perspective in psychology. He developed a therapy approach known as person-centered therapy, which emphasizes creating a non-judgmental and empathetic therapeutic environment. Rogers believed in the importance of unconditional positive regard, where individuals are accepted and valued for who they are, helping them to develop self-awareness and self-actualization​ ​

TYPES OF HUMANISTIC THERAPY

• Client-centered therapy‌: The client-centered theory uses the active listening technique. The therapist listens, acknowledges, and paraphrases your concerns. This therapy technique believes in the idea of providing a supportive environment in which you can feel free to be yourself in a non-judgmental space.‌​ The ability to get In touch with your true self helps you to understand yourself as you truly are. Client-centered therapy relies heavily on unconditional positive regard and empathy.​ • Gestalt therapy: Gestalt therapy focuses on the skills and techniques that allow you to be aware of your feelings and emotions. It seeks to encourage you to be aware of the here and now, and accept responsibility for your actions and behavior.​ • Existential therapy: This approach focuses more on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning.​

Humanistic therapy can be effective for people who have:​ • Depression​ • Anxiety and personality disorders​ • Addiction, such as alcoholism​ • Relationship issues

In summary,the humanistic perspective in psychology emphasizes the positive aspects of human nature and the potential for personal growth and self-improvement. It contrasts with more deterministic and clinical approaches to psychology.

-Summary

EXISTENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

RISSA NISSA SAJEEV

AN OVERVIEW

The existential perspective of mental disorders is a philosophical approach that focuses on the existential and philosophical dimensions of psychological distress and dysfunction

FOUNDATIONS

1. Existential Philosophy

2. Subjective Experience

3. Authenticity and Freedom

4. Meaning-Making

5. Holistic Approach

EXISTENTIAL PHILOSOPHY

This perspective is rooted in existential philosophy, which explores fundamental questions about human existence, such as the search for meaning, freedom, responsibility, and the experience of anxiety and despair.

SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE

The existential perspective places a strong emphasis on the individual's subjective experience. It recognizes that mental disorders often involve profound existential concerns, such as a sense of meaninglessness, isolation, or the fear of death.

AUTHENTICITY AND FREEDOM

Existentialists believe in the importance of authenticity and personal freedom. They argue that individuals have the capacity to make choices and take responsibility for their lives, even in the face of existential challenges.

MEANING-MAKING

Existential therapy often involves helping individuals explore and construct their own sense of meaning and purpose in life. This can be a central aspect of addressing mental disorders

HOLISTIC APPROACH

Instead of focusing solely on symptom reduction, the existential perspective takes a holistic approach, considering the person as a whole and their unique life context.

CRITIQUES

LACK OF EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

COMPLEXITY AND DEPTH

NOT UNIVERSICALLY APPLICABLE

LIMITED PRACTICALITY

ETHICAL CONCERNS

1. Lack of Empirical Evidence: Critics argue that the existential perspective lacks empirical validation and scientific rigor, which can make it challenging to integrate into mainstream mental health practices.

2. Complexity and Depth: The existential perspective can be seen as complex and abstract, making it difficult for some individuals to grasp or apply in practical therapeutic settings.

3. Not universally Applicable: Some argue that existential concepts may not apply to all mental disorders or individuals, and that certain conditions may have biological or psychological underpinnings that are better addressed through other therapeutic approaches.

4. Limited Practicality: Critics suggest that existential therapy may not always provide concrete solutions for individuals in immediate crisis, as it tends to focus on deeper existential exploration.

5. Ethical Concerns: Encouraging individuals to take full responsibility for their actions and choices can be ethically challenging in cases where mental illness severely impairs one's capacity for rational decision-making.

The existential perspective of mental disorders delves into the existential and philosophical aspects of psychological distress, emphasizing subjective experience, authenticity, and meaning-making. While it offers a unique and holistic approach, it has faced criticism for its lack of empirical evidence, complexity, and potential limitations in practicality and applicability to all individuals and conditions. It is often used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches to provide a comprehensive treatment plan.

SUMMARY

THE END!

THANK YOU :)

People in individualistic cultures place a high value on uniqueness and independence and believe in the importance of individual goals and define themselves in terms of personal attributes. E.g. North American and western European cultures are individualistic in nature.

In sum, we can say that people who make more positive attributions toward the negative events that they experience will persist longer at tasks and that this persistence can help them.

The result of negative attributional styles is a sense of hopelessness and despair. Alloy, Abramson, and Francis (1999) found that college students who indicated that they had negative attributional styles when they first came to college were more likely than those who had a more positive style to experience an episode of depression within the next few months. People who have an extremely negative attributional style, in which they continually make external, stable, and global attributions for their behavior, are said to be experiencing learned helplessness. Those who experience learned helplessness do not feel that they have any control over their own outcomes and are more likely to have a variety of negative health outcomes, including anxiety and depression.

The findings of various studies link attributional style to mental health which leads to the interesting prediction that people’s well-being could be improved by moving from a negative to a (mildly) positive or optimistic attributional style.

However inaccurate our attributions may be, they become important parts of our view of the world and can have significant effects on our emotional well-being.Interestingly, nondepressed people tend to have what is called a self-serving bias in which they are more likely to make internal, stable, and global attributions for positive rather than negative events.

People in collectivistic cultures place a high value on conformity and interdependence and believe in the importance of group goals and define themselves in terms of their membership in groups. Such people are less susceptible to the self serving bias and they are more likely to believe that a person’s behaviour is due to situational demands rather than to personal attributes. Research suggest that people belonging to collectivistic culture tend to have a self effacing bias when making attributions, i.e., they tend to attribute their successes to situational factors rather than to personal attributes and when they fail they blame themselves for not trying hard enough. E.g. Asian, Latin American and African cultures tend to be collectivistic on nature.

Attributional retraining interventions have been developed based on this idea. These types of psychotherapy have indeed been shown to assist people in developing a more positive attributional style and have met with some success in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorders.

Dysfunctional attributions can also be at the heart of relationship difficulties, including abuse, where partners consistently make negative attributions about each other’s behaviors. Again, retraining couples to make more balanced attributions about each other can be useful, helping to promote more positive communication patterns and to increase relationship satisfaction.