CAUSAL FACTORS RELATED TO ABNORMALITY

LAKSHMIBAI COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF DELHI

SUBMITTED TO DR. A R RADHIKA

SUBMITTED BY YOGITA BARADIA
ROLL NO 22528058
COURSE PSYCHOLOGY HONOURS
SEMESTER 4
ASSIGNMENT CAUSAL FACTORS RELATED TO
ABNORMALITY WITH EXAMPLES

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Abnormal Psychology literally refers to Psychology (that is the study of mind and behaviour)

that is away from normal. It is the scientific study that involves problematic feelings,
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thoughts, and behaviours associated with mental disorders. This area of science evaluates,

understands, predicts, and prevents mental disorders and helps those who are in distress.

Abnormal Psychology has been re-defined numerous times, for instance if a behaviour is

deviant from the norm (unwritten rules of society that every individual is expected to

follow), it is considered abnormal.

For example, it is a norm to keep the car doors closed whilst the car is moving or on

road, now if a person keeps it open while someone is driving it, their behaviour will be

considered abnormal because this action may cause an accident or damage to the car itself.

Another way in which abnormal psychology has been defined is a behaviour’s inability to

adapt to life demands, for example, Reena lost her mom in a car accident a year ago and she

is still not able to entirely cope with her absence and is unable to function properly every time

she is facing some difficult situation and begins to wish her mother’s presence. This

behaviour of hysterically crying and wishing for mother’s presence will be considered

abnormal because it is interfering with her everyday normal functioning and thus, restricts her

healing.

Abnormal psychology focuses on understanding and addressing psychological conditions or

experiences that cause significant distress or impairment in an individual's life. It involves

examining the factors contributing to the distress and developing appropriate interventions to

alleviate it. Personal distress can manifest in various ways.

For example, someone struggling with persistent feelings of sadness and

hopelessness, may find it difficult to be motivated to do things they usually enjoy doing or

things they have to do before a certain deadline for a job or to pass a class.

Causal Factors Related to Abnormality

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a. Biological Perspective: The biological perspective of causal factors of abnormality

focuses on how biological factors contribute to the development of psychological

disorders or abnormal behaviour. It emphasises the role of genetics, brain structure

and function, neurotransmitters, and other physiological processes in understanding

abnormality.

For example, let's consider depression. From a biological perspective,

researchers have found that there may be genetic predispositions to

depression. Certain variations in genes related to neurotransmitter regulation,

such as serotonin, have been linked to an increased vulnerability to developing

depression.

The five categories of biological factors that seem particularly relevant to the development of

maladaptive behaviour are following:

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(i) Genetic predispositions: Genetic predispositions refer to the inherited traits or

characteristics that can increase the likelihood of developing certain disorders or conditions.

In the context of abnormality, genetic factors can play a significant role in influencing an

individual's susceptibility to psychological disorders.

For example, I have a friend who has a family history of a certain condition, such as

depression. This means that there is a genetic predisposition for depression in their family.

Genetic predisposition refers to an increased likelihood of developing a particular condition

based on the genes inherited from their parents. In this case, my friend may be more

susceptible to developing depression due to their genetic makeup. While genetics alone

doesn't guarantee that they will develop the condition, it does increase their risk compared to

someone without a genetic predisposition. However, it's also important to note that genetic

predisposition doesn't mean that he/she will definitely develop depression. Lifestyle factors,

such as diet and exercise, also play a role in determining whether or not the condition will

manifest.
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(ii) Neurotransmitters : Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that transmit signals

between nerve cells. They play a crucial role in regulating mood, behaviour, and overall brain

function. Genetic variations can affect the production, release, or reception of

neurotransmitters, leading to imbalances.

For example, abnormalities in the serotonin system have been associated with

conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. Dopamine dysregulation is linked to

disorders such as schizophrenia. For example, Manish is someone who experiences

symptoms of depression. Depression is a complex mental health condition that involves

various factors, including neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in

the brain that help transmit signals between nerve cells. In the case of depression, there may

be an imbalance or abnormality in certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin,

norepinephrine, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play important roles in regulating

mood, emotions, and overall brain function, thus an imbalance in these will lead to abnormal

behaviour.

(iii) Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones are chemical messengers produced by various glands

in the body. They play a role in regulating bodily functions and can also influence brain

function and behaviour. Genetic factors can influence hormone production, receptor

sensitivity, or the body's ability to regulate hormone levels. For instance, imbalances in

cortisol, the stress hormone, have been implicated in conditions like post-traumatic stress

disorder (PTSD) and mood disorders.

For example, hormonal imbalances can also affect individuals of all genders.

Imbalances in cortisol, the stress hormone, can contribute to conditions like chronic stress,

anxiety disorders, and even depression. Addressing hormonal imbalances often involves

medical interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy or medications that help regulate
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hormone levels. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, managing stress, and

getting regular exercise, can also play a role in restoring hormonal balance.

(iv) Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and reorganise

itself in response to experiences and environmental influences. Genetic factors can influence

the extent and efficiency of neuroplasticity. Variations in genes related to brain development

and plasticity can impact an individual's susceptibility to certain disorders. For example,

genetic factors can influence the brain's ability to adapt and recover from trauma or injury,

which may contribute to conditions like neurodevelopmental disorders or neurodegenerative

diseases.

For example, A girl experiences a traumatic head injury, leading to a disruption of

blood flow to the brain. Head injuries can cause damage to certain areas of the brain, leading

to various impairments depending on the location of the damage. In this situation,

neuroplasticity comes into play. The brain has the remarkable ability to rewire itself and

compensate for the damaged areas. Through neuroplasticity, other healthy parts of the brain

can take over the functions that were previously carried out by the damaged areas. For

example, if the injury affected the motor cortex responsible for movement control,

neuroplasticity can enable other areas of the brain to take on motor functions. With

rehabilitation and therapy, the brain can form new connections and pathways to help regain

motor skills and improve overall function.

(v) Temperament: Temperament refers to an individual's innate and enduring patterns of

behaviour, emotions, and reactivity to stimuli. It is believed to have a biological basis and can

influence how a person responds to their environment. In the context of abnormal behaviour,

temperament can play a role in predisposing individuals to certain psychological disorders.

For example, let's consider the temperament trait of impulsivity (the tendency to act

without thinking about the consequences), individuals with a high level of impulsivity may
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engage in impulsive and risky behaviours, such as excessive gambling, substance abuse, or

reckless driving. This impulsive behaviour can be a contributing factor to the development of

disorders such as impulse control disorders, substance use disorders, or even attention-

deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

b. Psychological Perspective: It has been researched upon and found that there are

many more psychological than biological interpretations of abnormal behaviour,

which reflects a wider range of opinions on how best to understand humans as people

with varying motives, desires, perceptions, thoughts, etc., rather than just as biological

organisms. The different viewpoints that this perspective encompasses emphasise the

importance of early experience and an awareness of psychological processes within

an individual, as well as how these are influenced by social factors.

There are three viewpoints following that represent distinct and sometimes conflicting

orientations, but they are in many ways complementary.

(i) Psychodynamic Perspective: The psychodynamic perspective is a theory that suggests

that unconscious thoughts, desires, and conflicts can influence our behaviour and contribute

to abnormality. According to Sigmund Freud, the mind is divided into three parts in terms of

structure: the id, ego, and superego, three parts in terms of consciousness: conscious,
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subconscious and unconscious. He also gave five stages of development known as the

psychosexual stages of development discussing the desires and motivations an individual

goes through from infancy to adulthood.

- Structure of mind

The id is the primitive part of the mind that operates on the pleasure principle. It's all about

immediate gratification and fulfilling our basic needs.

For example, a person who struggles with an addiction to gambling. This person may

constantly feel the need to satisfy their immediate desire for excitement and pleasure, which

is driven by the id. The id, in this case, is fueled by the life instincts, or libido, which seek

pleasure and gratification. In their pursuit of pleasure, this person may engage in impulsive

and risky behaviour, disregarding the potential negative consequences of their actions. At the

same time, the person may also experience a conflict between their life instincts and death

instincts within the id. The death instincts represent an unconscious desire for self-
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destruction. In this case, the person's gambling addiction may lead them to engage in

behaviours that harm themselves, such as accumulating massive debts.

The ego is the rational part of the mind that balances the id's desires with reality. It operates

on the reality principle.

For example, there is a person who is facing a challenging decision between pursuing

their passion for art or choosing a more stable and practical career path. The ego would

consider the reality of the situation and try to find a balance between the id's desires and the

demands of the external world. In this case, the ego may help the person make a decision that

takes into account their passion for art while also considering the need for financial security.

It may guide them to find a compromise, such as pursuing art as a hobby or finding a career

that allows them to incorporate their artistic talents.

The superego represents our internalised moral values and societal norms. It acts as our

conscience.

For example, there's an individual who has an extremely strict and harsh superego.

This person may have internalised societal norms and moral standards to an extreme degree,

leading to excessive guilt and self-criticism. As a result, this individual may develop anxiety

disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where they feel compelled to

perform repetitive rituals or engage in excessive checking behaviours to alleviate their

anxiety and satisfy their superego's demands for perfection. The rigid and unforgiving nature

of their superego can contribute to the development of abnormal behaviours and thought

patterns.

- Stream of Consciousness

The conscious part of the brain contains the information, thoughts and motives an individual

is completely aware of.

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For example, there's an individual who is aware of their excessive fear of social

situations, known as social anxiety disorder. They consciously experience intense anxiety,

self-consciousness, and fear of being judged by others. This conscious awareness of their fear

and its impact on their daily life can be a causal factor in their social anxiety disorder.

The subconscious part of the brain contains the information that is not readily available but

can be brought into consciousness with focused attention.

For example, there's an individual who has a subconscious fear of abandonment due

to past experiences. This fear may manifest in their relationships as clinginess, jealousy, and

an overwhelming need for reassurance. They may not consciously realise that their fear is

driving their behaviours, but it operates beneath their awareness, influencing their

relationships and contributing to relationship-related disorders.

The unconscious part of the brain contains those shameful thoughts, images, motives and

information that an individual is completely unaware of. However, these thoughts and images

continually try to surface in the form of slip of tongue or dreams causing abnormal behaviour.

For example, there is a person who experiences unexplained physical symptoms such

as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue, but medical tests show no underlying physical

cause. Through therapy, it is discovered that these symptoms are manifestations of

unconscious psychological distress, such as unresolved trauma or repressed emotions. The

unconscious mind is influencing their physical well-being, contributing to their abnormal

symptoms.

- Defence Mechanisms: Freud proposed defence mechanisms reduce anxiety by

helping a person push painful ideas out of consciousness (such as when we “forget” a

dental appointment) rather than by dealing directly with the problem. These

mechanisms result in a distorted view of reality, although some are clearly more

adaptive than others.

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For example, there's an individual who has deep-seated feelings of insecurity and low

self-esteem. Instead of acknowledging these feelings, they project them onto others. They

may constantly criticise and belittle others, attributing their own insecurities to those around

them. This defence mechanism is called projection and it can strain their relationships and

contribute to the development of personality disorders or interpersonal difficulties.

- Psychosexual Stages of Development

For example, if a child doesn't receive adequate nurturing or experiences neglect

during the oral stage, they may develop an oral fixation. This can later manifest as excessive

dependency, seeking oral gratification through habits like thumb-sucking, smoking, or

overeating. This fixation can impact their ability to form healthy relationships and lead to

oral-related disorders or substance abuse issues. Similarly, in the anal stage control issues or

rebellious behaviours may emerge if toilet training was too harsh or lenient. Dissatisfactory

phallic stage may cause guilt, anxiety, or difficulties with gender identity for instance if

exploration of genitals is met with punishment or shame. The latency stage focuses on social

and cognitive development, but trauma or social isolation during this stage can affect self-

esteem and social interactions, unresolved conflicts from previous stages during the genital

stage (puberty onwards) may impact relationships and sexual satisfaction.

(ii) Behavioural Perspective: The behavioural perspective looks at how an individual’s

behaviours are shaped by their experiences and the environment around them. It suggests that

abnormal behaviours can be caused by learned responses and conditioning.

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- For example, someone was involved in a car accident. After the accident, they may

develop a fear of driving or being in a car due to the traumatic experience. Even

though the accident is in the past, the person's fear response becomes associated with

the act of driving or being in a car. This learned fear response can lead to avoidance

behaviours and anxiety, which can be considered abnormal. Classical conditioning

plays a role in shaping these fear responses and can contribute to the development of

abnormal behaviours and phobias.

- For example, someone has a social anxiety disorder. In social situations, they may feel

intense anxiety and discomfort. As a result, they tend to avoid social interactions or

use avoidance behaviours to cope with their anxiety. By avoiding social situations,

they experience temporary relief from their anxiety, which reinforces their avoidance

behaviour. Over time, this operant conditioning strengthens their avoidance response,

making it more difficult for them to engage in social activities and leading to

abnormal behaviour. Operant conditioning plays a role in shaping these avoidance

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behaviours and can contribute to the development and maintenance of social anxiety

disorder.

- For example, a child growing up in a household where one of their parents has a

substance abuse problem regularly observes the parent engaging in addictive

behaviours and experiencing negative consequences as a result. Through

observational learning, the child learns that substance abuse is a way to cope with

stress or emotional pain. As they grow older, they may mimic the parent's behaviour

and start using substances themselves. This observational learning can contribute to

the development of substance abuse disorders and abnormal behaviours related to

addiction. Observational learning plays a role in shaping these behaviours and can

influence the development of abnormality.

- For example, there is a person who has experienced consistent discrimination and

prejudice based on their race or ethnicity. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem,

social isolation, and psychological distress. Over time, these negative experiences of

discrimination can contribute to the development of mental health disorders such as

depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Discrimination acts as a causal

factor in abnormality by negatively impacting an individual's well-being and mental

health due to the unfair treatment they have faced.

(iii) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: This perspective looks at how an individual’s

thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations of events can contribute to abnormal behaviour and

mental health disorders. It suggests that their thoughts and perceptions influence their

emotions and behaviours.

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- Attribution theory examines how individuals attribute causes to events or situations

and how those attributions can impact their emotions, behaviour, and mental well-

being. It focuses on how people explain the causes of their own behaviour or the

behaviour of others.

For example, a person is experiencing depression and the person consistently

attributes negative events or outcomes in their life to internal, stable, and global

factors. They may believe that they are responsible for everything that goes wrong,

that their failures are permanent, and that they are inherently flawed. These

attributional patterns can contribute to a negative self-image, feelings of hopelessness,

and a sense of helplessness, which are common characteristics of depression.

- Cognitive Therapy also known as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), is a type of

psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and

beliefs that contribute to abnormal behaviour and mental health disorders. It

recognizes the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

For example, an individual constantly has negative thoughts and beliefs about

social situations, such as "Everyone is judging me" or "I will embarrass myself." These

cognitive distortions can lead to intense anxiety and avoidance of social interactions. Through
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cognitive therapy, the person can learn to identify and challenge these irrational beliefs,

replacing them with more realistic and positive thoughts.

c. Social Perspective: The social perspective is a theoretical framework used to

understand abnormality by examining how social factors contribute to the

development of mental health issues. It emphasises the influence of family dynamics,

cultural norms, and societal expectations on an individual's psychological well-being.

(i) Early Deprivation or Trauma: If a child has been deprived of their basic needs and

demands such as love, warmth or security or have been through some trauma, it may manifest

itself into abnormal behaviour or behaviour deviant from the societal norm due to being

shunned out or ill-treatment at an early age.

For example, suppose a child is sent to an orphanage at an early age because the

parents aren’t financially stable enough to support him/her. Now, the child may be deprived

of consistent and nurturing caregiving, which can lead to emotional and psychological

difficulties later in life. These difficulties can contribute to issues such as attachment

disorders, emotional dysregulation, and complications forming healthy relationships.

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A child that has experienced neglect/abuse at home may have grown up in an

environment where their basic needs for love, care, and safety were consistently unmet. This

can result in long-lasting emotional and psychological consequences. The child may develop

symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may

struggle with trust, have difficulties forming healthy relationships, and experience challenges

in regulating their emotions.

(ii) Parenting Styles: Parenting styles can play a significant role in shaping a child's

development and can potentially contribute to abnormality. The way parents interact with

their children, set rules, and provide support can impact their emotional, cognitive, and social

well-being.

- a child whose parents adopt an authoritative parenting style will provide clear rules

and expectations while also offering warmth, support, and open communication. This

child will tend to develop a strong sense of self-esteem, self-discipline, and healthy

social skills, leading to positive mental health outcomes.

- a child whose parents practise authoritarian parenting style will enforce strict rules

and discipline, often without much room for negotiation or open communication. This

child may develop feelings of fear, low self-esteem, and difficulties expressing
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themselves. They may exhibit higher levels of anxiety and have challenges with

autonomy and decision-making.

- a child whose parents adopt a permissive parenting style will have few rules or

boundaries and tend to be indulgent and lenient. This child may struggle with self-

control, have difficulty following rules, and exhibit impulsive behaviours. They may

also have challenges with emotional regulation and face difficulties with authority

figures.

- a child who experiences neglectful parenting, where their parents are emotionally or

physically absent and fail to meet their basic needs may suffer from feelings of

abandonment, low self-worth, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. They

may exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety, and have a higher risk of engaging in

risky behaviours

(iii) Marital Discord and Divorce: Marital discord refers to ongoing conflict, tension, and

dissatisfaction within a marriage. This can have a negative impact on children and their

emotional well-being.

For example, constant arguing and hostility between parents can create a stressful and

unstable environment for children. This may lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or

behavioural problems in children, potentially contributing to abnormality.

- Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage, and it can have significant

effects on children's mental health and development.

For instance, the process of divorce itself can be emotionally challenging for children,

as they may experience feelings of grief, confusion, and insecurity. The disruption of family

dynamics, changes in living arrangements, and potential loss of contact with one parent can

contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties for children, which may

manifest as abnormal behaviours.

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(iv) Low Socio-economic status/Unemployment: When individuals and families face

financial hardships and lack access to resources, it can have a significant impact on their

mental health and overall well-being.

- For example, in a family living in a low-income neighbourhood with limited job

opportunities, the parents will struggle to secure stable employment, leading to

financial instability and difficulty meeting basic needs. The constant stress of

financial strain, uncertainty, and the inability to provide for their children's needs can

have a profound impact on the family's mental health. As a consequence, children

growing up in such circumstances may experience chronic stress, which can affect

their emotional and cognitive development. They may face challenges in school, have

difficulty concentrating, and exhibit behaviour problems. The lack of resources, such

as access to quality healthcare or educational opportunities, can further compound

these difficulties, potentially leading to abnormal behaviours or mental health

disorders.

(v) Maladaptive Peer Relationships: These refer to unhealthy or negative interactions

between individuals of the same age group. These relationships can involve bullying,

exclusion, or negative influences, leading to emotional distress, low self-esteem, and

potential mental health issues.

For example, an individual who faces bullying in their peer group often may

experience feelings of loneliness, rejection, and low self-worth as a result. The constant

exposure to such maladaptive peer relationships can lead to the development of mental health

issues like anxiety or depression. Additionally, it may contribute to the adoption of unhealthy

coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-harm, as a way to navigate these

challenging social dynamics.

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(vi) Prejudice and Discrimination: Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes

held towards a particular group of people based on stereotypes or biases. Discrimination, on

the other hand, involves treating individuals unfairly or differently based on their

membership in a certain group.

For example, a person who holds strong negative beliefs about individuals from a

different cultural background may isolate themselves from interacting with people from that

culture, leading to a lack of diverse social connections and potential social and emotional

difficulties. Similarly, an individual who faces discrimination in the workplace due to their

gender may experience chronic stress, low self-esteem, and symptoms of anxiety or

depression as a result of the unfair treatment, potentially leading to abnormal behaviours or

mental health disorders.

d. Cultural Perspective: Cultural perspective refers to how cultural beliefs, values, and

norms influence our understanding and interpretation of abnormality. Different

cultures may have varying definitions of what is considered normal or abnormal

behaviour.

(i) Overcontrolled Behaviour refers to behaviours that are characterised by excessive self-

control, inhibition, and rigidity. Individuals with overcontrolled behaviour may have
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difficulty expressing emotions, taking risks, or adapting to new situations. They may exhibit

perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, or social withdrawal.

For example, an individual who has an extreme fear of making mistakes or taking

risks. This person may avoid new experiences, become overly rigid in their routines, and

develop anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive tendencies as a result of their excessive

need for control.

(ii) Undercontrolled behaviour refers to behaviours that are marked by impulsivity, lack of

self-control, and difficulty regulating emotions. Individuals with undercontrolled behaviour

may engage in reckless or impulsive actions, have difficulty following rules or authority, and

struggle with emotional regulation. They may be prone to aggression, substance abuse, or

engaging in high-risk activities.

For example, an individual who consistently engages in impulsive and reckless

behaviours without considering the consequences. This person may engage in substance

abuse, exhibit aggressive tendencies, or have difficulty maintaining stable relationships,

potentially leading to the development of substance use disorders, conduct disorders, or other

disruptive behaviour disorders.

Conclusion
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The study of causal factors of abnormality provides valuable insights into the complex nature

of mental health and well-being. By examining various factors that contribute to abnormal

behaviour, researchers and mental health professionals gain a deeper understanding of the

multifaceted nature of psychological disorders. It is crucial to recognize that the causes of

abnormality are multifactorial and interrelated. Factors such as genetics, environmental

influences, and individual experiences also play significant roles in the development of

abnormal behaviour. Moreover, the interaction between these factors further complicates our

understanding of abnormality.

By studying causal factors of abnormality, we can enhance our ability to identify, assess, and

treat psychological disorders. This knowledge can inform the development of effective

interventions and support systems that promote mental health and well-being for individuals

experiencing abnormal behaviour.

Thus, understanding the causal factors of abnormality is a complex and ongoing endeavour

that requires a multidimensional approach. By exploring the interplay of various factors, we

can foster a more comprehensive understanding of abnormal behaviour and work towards

creating a society that is inclusive, supportive, and empathetic towards individuals facing

mental health challenges.

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