The Contribution of a Biological Perspective to our Understanding of Behaviour

The biological approach looks at our genetics to construct a reason why we act the way we do and why we develop abnormal behaviours. This approach suggests that the reason people smoke is a biological addiction from a chemical in cigarettes called nicotine. Nicotine is a chemical that alters

Brain chemistry is a detailed system that helps the brain to interact with the chemicals that moves important around the brain. Brain chemistry changes depending on what substance or how much of the substance is used. These changes can indicate signs of the beginning of an addiction over time if the drug use begins to get worst it can lead to dramatic changes in the brains over all chemistry. This example supports the theory of brain change ”‘when we elevated levels of ΔFosB in the NAc, the mice exhibited behaviors that are considered reliable indicators that exposing people to the same conditions would cause addiction: They showed more sensitivity to the drug (responded to doses one-third those required to produce a response in normal animals), self-administered more drug, and displayed greater drive (or craving) for cocaine (they worked two to three times as hard to get the drug) ().” The opposing side stated this as their disagreement “human psychology is simply the reflection of human neurophysiology. Thus, for instance, although the authors claim that their account of addiction is relatively 'skeptical,' and has less explanatory power than that of their opponents, they nevertheless seem to accept at least the possibility of a complete account, which will only come about as a result of 'further advances in biological and psychological science (Foxcroft, L. J.

This essay will look to outline the different arguments in that; addiction to a substance is a choice of one’s free will, or is it a disease element in our bio chemical or physical make up? It will consider, if addiction extends from genes inherited from parents or forefathers, or if it is a learned behaviour through day to day lifestyles, and changes through growth from tots to teens, to youths, then to adults. It will also seek to analyse how different approaches and points in this relevant argument can be debated in the academic and medical world, with the views and discussion of recognised professionals in the study of addiction.

This research paper will evaluate the biological aspects of addictive substance or behavior and how it affects the brain and organs. Biological aspects include dopamine levels that are replaced in the brain due to the reward system being overtaken and the absorption rate of the drug once it is ingested will be discussed. The biological aspects are extensive and permanent if the individual does not get the help they need. Furthermore the clinical issues of addictive substance or behavior will be discussed along with medical treatments and ethical issues. This includes treatments such as counseling

In today’s session, group members learned about how thoughts and emotions contribute to behavior, and how to observe, analyze and responses to those thoughts and emotions in different ways. The common behavior traits that related to substance use were discussed, as well.

Genetic factors, such as having a family history of drug abuse, has a major influence on the likelihood that someone will fall into a cycle of drug abuse and addiction (Volkow, 2007; Horvath et al., 2013). From a biological perspective, we address issues by attending to the underlying biological cause. Since we know that addiction can be influenced by chemical changes in the brain, we can combat it and prevent relapse by restoring brain chemistry through the use of medications, such as those that eliminate the pleasurable effects of drugs, and ideally through total abstinence from drugs (Horvath et al.,

Around the 1950’s a new discipline began to emerge, ethology, which focused on animal behavior in its natural environment. Niko Tinbergen, one ethology’s founding fathers, distinguished four questions to ask when a specific behavior is performed. “What was the internal physiological cause of the behavior?” (Stevenson et al., 2013, p. 267) the behavior occurred due to an internal change. For example, if the behavior occurred due to hormone secretion or a muscle contraction. “What in the development or experience of the individual prepared the way for that behavior?” (Stevenson et al., 2013, p. 268) if a complication occurred in the development of the fetus in the womb it could prevent sexual maturity, ultimately creating an excuse for abnormal behavior. “What is the function of the behavior” (Stevenson et al., 2013, p. 268) the individual is behaving this particular way in order to achieve some sort of goal. “What is the evolutionary history of this pattern of behavior” (Stevenson et al., 2013, p. 268) by examining ancestral behavior patterns we can distinguish their intentions or adaptations. These four questions pertaining to behavior can be applied to almost all species, including humans, both male and

It is impossible to treat a disease without including all of the possible primary causes of the symptoms. In the same regard, it is unreasonable to identify addiction as coming from a singular source, or conceive a model in which to view it, without taking into consideration other influences. As the biopsychosocial model has come to the forefront in providing a better understanding of addiction, it is not enough; other pathways yet to be address require attention. Therefore, I maintain that until and unless we are willing to include all contributing factors in identifying a theory or model for addiction, we do a disservice to the individuals who are battling this disease. Let us examine the components of the FCP of Addiction Model. Biological influences take into consideration what the disease model classifies as an imbalance in the nervous system, though drug induced. The psychological component includes how a person learns, their motivation, personality, and how they interact with others. Since we are all a part of the world at large, and each of us identify with our own culture, we would be remiss not to consider the influence and impact of social norms and culture on addiction. I have intentionally touched briefly on the three modalities of the biopsychosocial model because my position is that there are other influential pathways to consider in the treatment of

This essay will outline and compare both biological and behavioural perspectives on human behaviour. The history, major discoveries and theories will be discussed along with some of the most influential theorists in each of these two areas of psychology. This essay will also compare the two areas strengths and weaknesses in the field of psychology.

(3) While successful drug therapies which act on neurotransmitters in the brain imply that depression is a neurobiological condition (4), the fact that such medications do not help about 20 percent of depression-sufferers seems to show that not all depression is due to such imbalances. Rather, depression is not caused by one single factor; it is most often caused by many different things. Genetics, biochemical factors, medicines and alcohol, developmental and other external factors, and relationships, marriage and children all have effect on the development of clinical depression. (5) The strongest hypotheses on the pathways to depression are in decreases in the activity of specific neurotransmitters, or the overactivity of certain hormonal systems. (3)

The big idea of Behavior is a Biopsychosocial event is what I felt was interesting to me. The biopsychosocial concept was given by George L. Engle wherein behavior is interplay of nature (governed by biological / psychological factors and mental health) and nurture (governed by sociocultural factors and life experiences). It’s very interesting how we can study all these influences in how we eat, express our emotions, and how men and women can still be alike in so many ways.

While Amanda is home for spring break during her junior year of college, her 15-year-old sister confides to her that she has started having sex with her 16-year-old boyfriend. She proudly explains to Amanda that the two of them discussed the decision carefully and went to the family planning clinic together. They decided to use the hormonal patch, which provides contraceptive protection for a week. They also use condoms as a backup measure because both of them are fearful of an unintended pregnancy. Neither one had ever had sexual intercourse before. Amanda is shocked by her little sister's news, and she tells her so. She believes her sister is too young for sexual intercourse, and she knows her parents would feel the same way. Her sister admits that her parents would disapprove but maintains that she has been mature and responsible in her decision making. She is surprised and resentful about Amanda's reaction, telling her that she is being an over-conservative prude and warning her not to tell their parents or she will never speak to her again. The two sisters have always had a close relationship and have shared many secrets over the years, but Amanda feels very torn this time. She believes that her sister has made a mistake that may be significant enough for her parents to become involved. In her own relationship, Amanda and her boyfriend have been talking about intercourse as well, although they have not yet taken that step. Amanda believes that the age difference between

Alcohol is a drug, just like any other type of drug it affects it affects the central nervous system (CNS). According to Banerjee (2014), “Alcohol interacts with several neurotransmitter system in the brain’s reward and stress circuit. These neural circuits include the dopaminergic, serotonergic, glutamatergic and GABaergic neural circuits. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter primarily involved in a circuit called the mesolimbic system, this circuit affects incentive motivation, how an organism reacts to incentive changes in the environment.” (p.22). Dopamine plays a key role in our reinforcement and motivational behavior, and it also an important neurotransmitter involved in reward mechanism in the brain. Chastain (2006) states, “ administration

Chapter three of the book of Psychology: Themes and Variations explains the biological bases of behavior. The chapter goes into detail the process and organization of the brain as well as what it is made up of. For example, The structure of a neuron is broken down and is explained by each part. Neurons are the individual cells in the nervous system that receive, integrate, and transmit information. Neurons contain different parts that work together to make a whole.

The Biological model looks at abnormal behavior as a medical condition, requiring medical intervention to bring relief. (Comer, 2009) explains that human thoughts are a result of “biochemical and biological processes” (p.35), that take place in the brain. Mood, and emotion are controlled by different parts of the brain “the hippocampus helps regulate emotions and memory, and the amygdala playa a key role in emotional memory” (p.35). When there is an interference in the messaging process that takes place between neurons, then psychological abnormalities can result. If the chemicals “neurotransmitters” that are involved in this process “serotonin and norepinephrine” are deficient than depression can occur, “the body’s endocrine system” which controls hormones can also cause “anxiety and mood disorders” if not functioning properly (p.35-36).