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Theories of Abnormal Personality and the V-Axes
This paper provides an explanation of the major theories in abnormal behavior and of the V-Axes. It gives an overview of what the theories and V-Axes are. There are definitions of the following major theories of abnormal personality: the Biological Perspective, the Psychodynamic Perspective, the Behavioral Perspective, the Cognitive Perspective, the Humanistic-Existential Perspective and the Community-Cultural, then providing a definition of the DSM-IV-TR V-Axes and how each level (Axis) of it works. This is followed by an interpretation of a specific behavioral issue it relates to abnormal behavior and behavior patterns.
Major Theories of Abnormal Personality
The Biological Perspective
Recent information about the role of biological factors supports the argument that such factors are important to some, but not all, mental conditions. It is not surprising, that the biological perspective gained renewed popularity in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. During this time, there were great leaps forward made in anatomy, physiology, and genetics which made it seem reasonable that a biological cause might eventually be found for every disorder (Saranson & Saranson, 2005).
Modern advances in several areas of biology and medicine have continued to motivate researchers. For example, equipment and techniques like the positron emission tomography (PT) scan and the computerized tomography (CT) scan make it possible to see how the brain works without the use of invasive procedures. These scans permit previously impossible studies of the relationships between behavior and the brain (Saranson & Saranson, 2005).
The Psychodynamic Perspective
The Psychodynamic Perspective is based on the idea that thoughts and emotions are important causes of behavior. Old notions of the dichotomy between the mind and brain, and between nature and nurture have been supplanted by...