Chapter ch01. Research Exercise

Models of Abnormality

The main paradigms of abnormal behavior—behavioral, biological, cognitive, psychodynamic, and sociocultural—vary widely. These various theories of abnormality help us see individuals through different lenses. Each model begins with different assumptions, arrives at different conclusions, and utilizes different treatment methods depending on the initial clinical issue. Although it is best to try to understand abnormal behavior from several perspectives, some treatments may be more appropriate and have more evidence of efficacy than others.

Consider eating disorders as the case in point. While abnormal patterns of eating arise from a combination of factors—biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and sociocultural—cognitive-behavioral treatment has been a leading treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In order to better understand and treat eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, it is wise to not only build upon existing knowledge but also to use strengths from an already widely accepted perspective. Researchers in the United Kingdom have developed a form of psychotherapy that has the potential to cure more than eight out of ten cases of eating disorders in adults. This “enhanced” form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) builds on and improves the current leading treatment for anorexia and bulimia as recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes the addition of a new eating disorder, Binge Eating Disorder (BED). As a newly identified disorder, there is limited research on people diagnosed with BED, and theories and treatment therapies are still being assessed for reliability and validity.

After reading the article, “Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders,” and the National Eating Disorders Associations (NEDA) article about BED, consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.

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