Gigi Arana
Abnormal Psychology
Professor Huff
June 13, 2016
Assignment #1
1. The six models of abnormality are: psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive,
humanistic, sociocultural, and biopsychosocial, these six models of abnormality suggest
the causes of abnormal behavior and are used to help provide a better understanding
towards the abnormality of behaviors.
The first model is the psychoanalytic model, created by Sigmund Freud. This model
derived on the principles that psychological illnesses come from repressed emotions and
thoughts from experiences from one’s childhood. Treatment of this model is focused on
attempting to find and cure the sources of anxiety and conflicts.
The second model is the behavioral model; this model was built on theories of
several psychologists such as Pavlov and Skinner. This theory states that people learn
behavior patterns, and that their behavior is acquired through their environment. This
model can be treated by focusing on learning new positive behaviors, and the unlearning
of behaviors that are maladaptive.
The third model is the cognitive model, which states that psychological problems
stem from a person’s thoughts, which leads to unhealthy feelings/behaviors. The
treatment approach is to help the person understand their problem(s) and to learn
effective ways of problem solving.
The fourth model is the humanistic model, derived from several psychologists
such as Rogers and Maslow. The humanistic model views humans as holistic individuals
capable of determining their own behaviors and goals, even if they are abnormal.
The fifth model is the sociocultural model, which examines the impact of society
and culture on the psychological health of people.
The last model being the biopsychosocial model, assumes that psychological and
social factors must also be included along with the biologic in understanding a person’s
medical illness/disorder. Medical means such as medicine or surgery are used in order to
attempt to treat this model.
2. An example of psychoanalytic behavior is Elliot Rodgers, known as the “Isla
Vista shooter.” Rodgers stabbed three UCSB students to death in his apartment, then
