PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 1 Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective – An Analysis

PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 1 Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective – An Analysis

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Capella University

PSYC FPX 3110 Abnormal Psychology

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Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective – An Analysis

The cognitive-behavioral perspective in psychology focuses on the mental processes that influence behavior. Cognitive psychology examines the brain’s activities that lead to specific behaviors. As Dr. Saul McLeod stated in 1970, “If we want to know what makes people tick, then the way to do it is to figure out which processes are actually going on in their minds” (McLeod, 1970). This paper will explore the mental processes that may contribute to the abnormal behavior of aggression.

The Theory of Cognitive-Behavior

Cognitive-behavioral theory gained traction in the 1960s with the rise of the cognitive therapy movement. The true origins of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are challenging to pinpoint due to the various approaches to its implementation and the ongoing debate over the most effective techniques (Nurius & Macy, 2008). Since the 1960s, significant advancements have been made in what therapists now refer to as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Nurius & Macy, 2008). This theory posits that brain activity directly influences individual behavior. Cognitive psychology encompasses the study of mental processes, including reasoning, thinking, perception, and problem-solving. Consequently, cognitive-behavioral therapy links these mental processes to the behavioral outcomes of individuals. Researchers have gained valuable insights into how the brain functions and which brain aspects can impact behavior. An example of this connection is illustrated by Albert Bandura, who was instrumental in developing the cognitive-behavioral perspective and emphasized the cognitive elements of learning (Hooley et al., 2021). Bandura proposed that individuals learn through internal reinforcements and visualize the consequences—both positive and negative—of their actions (Hooley et al., 2021). He later suggested that cognitive-behavioral therapies primarily enhance self-efficacy (Hooley et al., 2021).

Cognitive-Behavior and Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry and apprehensive expectations occurring more days than not for at least six months regarding various events or activities, such as work or school performance (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016). Anxiety disorders represent a significant public health issue, with many individuals suffering from anxiety receiving no treatment (Zhang et al., 2019). According to the DSM, individuals with anxiety may experience restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, among other symptoms. Unfortunately, access to cognitive-behavioral therapy is limited, despite CBT being the most researched and effective psychosocial therapy for anxiety (Zhang et al., 2019). Various factors contribute to anxiety, including trauma, chronic health issues, COVID-19, and low self-esteem.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy operates on the premise that negative thought patterns often lead to negative emotions, such as fear and anxiety (Kaczkurkin & Foa, 2015). CBT helps clients identify the sources of their negative thoughts and correct these beliefs. By changing one’s thinking, it is possible to alter one’s feelings. The efficacy and effectiveness of CBT in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, have been well-documented (Watts et al., 2015). Evidence indicates that over half of primary care visits in the United States involve depression or some form of anxiety (Carpenter et al., 2013).

Compare and Contrast Sociocultural Viewpoint

The roots of anxiety may be closely tied to the societal contexts experienced during an individual’s formative years. Research has shown that anxiety is prevalent in nearly every country (Eshun et al., 2009). Worry appears to be the most commonly reported form of anxiety (Eshun et al., 2009). An individual’s upbringing significantly influences how they interpret experiences and the emotions associated with those experiences. Factors such as ethnopsychology and ethnophysiology—encompassing tribes, peoples, nations, bodily systems, or symptoms—are crucial in linking anxiety disorders to potential causes (Hoffman et al., 2014).

Application of Multiple Theories to Define Abnormal Behavior

Abnormal behavior cannot be easily categorized into a single framework. The factors contributing to abnormal behavior may necessitate the examination of various theories to determine the most effective treatment approach. In addition to cognitive-behavioral theory, other theories such as psychoanalysis, humanistic theory, and biological theory also provide valuable insights. Each theory addresses different aspects of treatment, and understanding the underlying causes may require a multidimensional approach. However, applying too many theories could complicate the treatment process and potentially render it ineffective.

Summary and Conclusion

Dr. Wayne Dyer, a globally recognized author and speaker in the field of self-development, stated in his book Change Your Thoughts – Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao, “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” The ability to alter one’s perspective on a particular experience allows individuals to respond differently in future situations. The term “cognitive” pertains to the mental processes that individuals engage in when exhibiting specific behaviors. While much is understood about the cognitive perspective, there remains a significant amount that is still unknown. There are numerous causes of abnormal behavior, and the exploration of cognitive-behavioral theory is an ongoing endeavor. Anxiety is classified as an abnormal behavior, and many practitioners address it through a cognitive-behavioral framework. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients transform negative thoughts that lead to adverse outcomes into positive responses to their experiences.

References

Carpenter, J. K., Andrews, L. A., Witcraft, S. M., Powers, M. B., Smits, J. A. J., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Depression and Anxiety, 35(6), 502–514. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22728

Cuijpers, P., Berking, M., Andersson, G., Quigley, L., Kleiboer, A., & Dobson, K. S. (2013). A meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult depression, alone and in comparison with other treatments. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 58(7), 376-385. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674371305800702

Eshun, S., Gurung, R. A. R., & Gurung (Eds.). (2009). Culture and mental health: Sociocultural influences, theory, and practice. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.

Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., & Hinton, D. E. (2010). Cultural aspects in social anxiety and social anxiety disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 27(12), 1117–1127. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20759

Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://capella.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033

Kaczkurkin, A. N., & Foa, E. B. (2015, September). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: An update on the empirical evidence. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610618/.

PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 1 Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective – An Analysis

McLeod, S. (1970, January 1). Psychology perspectives. Psychology Perspectives | Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/perspective.html.

Nurius, P. S., & Macy, R. J. (2008). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. In Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare (Vol. 2, Ser. Human Behavior in the Social Environment, pp. 101–104). John Wiley & Sons.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t15/

Watts, S. E., Turnell, A., Kladnitski, N., Newby, J. M., & Andrews, G. (2015). Treatment-as-usual (TAU) is anything but usual: A meta-analysis of CBT versus TAU for anxiety and depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 175, 152–167.

Zhang, A., Bornheimer, L. A., Weaver, A., Franklin, C., Hai, A. H., Guz, S., & Shen, L. (2019). Cognitive behavioral therapy for primary care depression and anxiety: A secondary meta-analytic review using robust variance estimation in meta-regression. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 42(6), 1117–1141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-019-00046-z