Phenomenon of Mental Disorders
Phenomenon of Mental Disorders
Understanding and Treating Mental Disorders
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One-Dimensional Models of Mental Disorders
Model
Attempts to describe a phenomenon that cannot be directly observed
Models are intrinsically limited and cannot explain every aspect of a disorder
Human behaviors are complex
Models of psychopathology
Biological, psychological, social, and socio-cultural
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Multipath Model
Considers the multitude of factors researchers have confirmed are associated with each disorder
Views disorders from a holistic framework
Some assumptions of the multipath model
Multiple pathways and influences contribute to the development of any single disorder
Not all dimensions contribute equally
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The Multipath Model
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Figure 2.1 The Multipath Model Each dimension of the multipath model contains factors found to be important in explaining mental disorders. Reciprocal interactions involving factors within and between any of these dimensions can also influence the development of mental disorders.
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The Four Dimensions and Possible Pathways of Influence
©2017 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Figure 2.2 The Four Dimensions and Possible Pathways of Influence Conceptually, mental disorders arise from four possible dimensions (biological, psychological, social, and sociocultural) and from reciprocal interactions between factors within a dimension or among factors in multiple dimensions.
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Aspects of the Multipath Model
Many disorders tend to be heterogeneous in nature
Different combinations within the four dimensions may influence development of a particular condition
Within each dimension, distinct theories exist
Same triggers or vulnerabilities may cause different disorders
©2017 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
