CHAPTER  3

Causal Factors and Viewpoints in Abnormal Psychology

This chapter discusses modern viewpoints and causal models of abnormal behavior. Within the biological viewpoint, several broad physiological causal factors are reviewed, ranging from brain and biochemical functioning to genetic/constitutional vulnerabilities. The psychosocial viewpoint encompasses the psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral models. The chapter then focuses on the importance of early psychosocial factors as powerful causes of abnormal behavior. The sociocultural viewpoint reminds us that humans are part of larger social contexts, and our behavior cannot be fully understood without reference to the influences of the society in which we live. It is now widely recognized that no one model adequately explains every aspect of every form of abnormal behavior. Consequently, one needs to assess and deal with the interaction of biological, psychosocial, and sociocultural factors to develop the total clinical picture.

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