The Supernatural Model of Abnormal Behaviours Essay

After reading Chapter 2 of Ronald J. Comer’s book, Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, I now understand key principles of 4 models that that contribute to understanding abnormalities. The first model is the biological model, which can be linked to Roman and Greek times as I read in chapter 1. It mainly states that the cause of psychological abnormalities is that of physical illness. In addition, the abnormalities are introduced because of malfunctioning parts in the brain. This includes the possible malfunction of neurons that are found in the cerebrum and the possible malfunction of these neurons and the transmissions between them. Other factors may include genes, evolution and viral infections

Singer and Benassi (1981) described a positive correlation between environmental uncertainty in western countries and occult beliefs. Although it could be argued that they may be overreaching with this generalization which is not supported with data, there is truth to this correlation. Humans try to be rational, and logical, and think critically, but in uncertain situations, we look to our environment, the physical and social environment, to provide us with information. Therefore, superstitions and supernatural phenomenon seem possible if no logical explanation can be given, and if the feedback from the environment reinforces what could be occult beliefs. French, Haque, Bunton-Stasyshyn, & Davis (2009) conducted an experiment attempting to investigate whether they could try to create a “haunted” room, and if participants would experience more abnormal sensations. Participants were informed they may feel some abnormal sensations prior to entering the room. Majority of participants reported having three or more abnormal sensations in the 50-minute period they were in the room. These sensations can be a result of susceptibility, but the uncertainty of that environment, and the lack of information may create these sensations and can validate occult

In contrast, the adaptive features of these behaviours are more obscure even to the individuals themselves. Often they can not explain the real reasons for their behaviour because the reasons are outside of their conscious awareness. In fact, if they were aware of what motivated their behaviour, they could possibly change it, either through their own efforts or by asking for help and getting support from therapists or friends and family. Therefore the presence of a symptom signals that the individual has an underlying conflict.

The supernatural is an ally that helps the hero along his journey examples them from Dory in Finding Nemo Timon and Pumbaa in the Lion King Haggard to Harry in Harry Potter. Mushu to Mulan and the movie Mulan you to Milan and Milan. The supernatural is there for the hero throughout the entire journey in most cases the hero is not even aware that this person or being is actually there a supernatural aid. This is especially the case in the movie Finding Nemo. Dora gets on Marlon's nerves the whole movie but without her he would not have made it

Supernatural elements is something that cannot be explained by the laws of nature. These elements, such as religious figures and activities, ghosts, witches and anthropomorphized animals have been used to develop themes throughout literature. These supernatural elements are often used to outline the conflict within the plot and creates an atmosphere of mystery and suspense throughout the text, which establishes the gothic. Supernatural components leave us to question what is real and what is our imagination.

Marvin is feeling so depressed that he is having trouble making it to work and

Supernatural phenomena can be seen with a side where everything can have a logical explanation, correspondingly in “The Tell Tale Heart” all tormenting sounds and visions can be explained by the insanity the main character contains. An example of this is “It grew louder-louder-louder!and still, the man chatted pleasantly and smiled”(pg.94). This reveals that the clangor of the heartbeat was inaudible, according to the reactions the policemen gave. This is important in creating a horror story because though supernatural has a logical explanation, it increases the horror nonetheless. In addition, “For it was not the old man who vexed me, but his Evil Eye”(pg.90). This reveals what has caused the homicide was the eye and not the person itself, in reality, the eye could have possessed normal characteristics but the psychotic intents the main character incorporates, perhaps, altered its appearance. This emphasizes the horror because

The Strengths and Limitations of the Biological Model of Abnormality This model uses physical illness as a model for psychological disorder, suggesting that like physical illness, mental illness has an underlying bodily cause. It proposes that genetic, organic or chemical disorders cause metal illnesses which give rise to behavioural and psychological problems. Thus, abnormality has physical causes such as brain dysfunction (neurological), biochemical imbalances, infections or genetics and so can only be cured through medical treatments. Therefore it implies that abnormality results from properly

Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

However the psychodynamic model fails to take into consideration the effects of the environment as does the medical model both are concerned with the internal workings and defects. The Psychodynamic model has had a lot of opposition as it is difficult to define and research, as processes like the id, ego and superego operate on an unconscious level and therefore there is no real way of knowing for certain if they are indeed happening. Most of the evidence provided by this model has been individual case studies which in itself makes it difficult to generalise.

There are several models of abnormality in use today (Comer, 2009) lists “The Biological Model…”, “The Psychodynamic Model…”, The Behavioral Model…”, The Cognitive Model…”, The Humanistic-Existential Model…”, The Sociocultural Model…” (p.33). The biggest contrasts would be the Biological model, and the other models. Comparing the biological model, and the cognitive model will highlight those differences.

Throughout the ages, mankind’s fascination with the unknown has resulted in the beliefs of different theories of magic, sorcery and other supernatural activities. While it is a natural trait for humans to be curious of what they do not know, there is something to be said for the mass conviction in these paranormal topics. It’s a mystery in itself how groups of people of all ethnicities and nationalities can have the same beliefs and interest in these topics. From witchcraft to UFO’s, it can be seen all throughout history that humans have been attracted to the unexplained.

The world we live in can often be a terrifying place. When constant stressors are thrown at us from all directions, sometimes it can be extremely hard to cope. We often experience frightening things that we cannot fully understand, and in term, we learn to adapt to those unfavorable situations. Our species as a whole has made countless efforts over the course of history to explain the unexplainable. As a result of these attempts, humanity has found solace in all things supernatural and paranormal. Belief in such things gives a person a sense of control in their busy, often overwhelming, life. This false sense of control is the motive behind the creation of the pyramids in Egypt, what led the Mayan civilization to sacrifice their own to promote

In the management of patients, it is essential ambulance clinicians understand and adhere to the proficiency ethics set out by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC, 2014). Furthermore, as a student ambulance clinician I now recognise the relevance of possessing non-technical skills as well as an in-depth knowledge of theoretical subjects such as ethics and law, professionalism and abnormal psychology is equally essential for efficient patient care.

the paranormal with as much respect and analysis as physics or the chaos theory."13 The