Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

Province of Laguna

Integrative
Approach to
Psychopathology

Jomar V. Sayaman
Objectives:
● Enumerate the different
factors affecting behavior in a
biological viewpoint
● Recall various theories
explaining human nature
● Recognize the contribution of
emotion, interpersonal
relation, and developmental
tasks in human behavior
 Psychological
Influences

Developmental
Dimensions

Biological
Dimensions
Abnormal
Behavior

Emotional
Influences

Social and
Cultural
Influences
 01.
Biological Dimension
This perspective views genetic
components and neuroscience as the
source of abnormal behavior.
1. Genetic Predispositions

Genes have undoubtedly significant

contributions to human behavior. Genes are
the basic units of heredity that are made up of
DNA. Genetic researches claimed that human
behavior, personality, and intelligence are a by-
product of many genes (polygenic).
2. Brain Structures
In this viewpoint, psychological disorders are
associated with brain damage or lesion.
Specific parts of the brain play a different role
in human behavior. The largest part of the
brain is the cerebrum which is said to be
responsible for higher thought processes, such
as memory, judgment, creativity, and reason.
3. Biochemical Imbalances
Human behavior under the biological approach
is also explained by looking at
neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are
biochemical released by axon into the synapse
when nerve impulse occurs. It is responsible
for the regulation of movement, learning,
memory, sleep, feelings, and emotion. It also
activates mental and physical vigilance.
4. Endocrine System
The Endocrine system is made up of twenty (20)
glands which secrete chemical messengers called
hormones. These hormones facilitate bodily processes
associated with growth and development, reproduction,
metabolism, and coping strategies during emergencies.
They are passed directly into the bloodstream and are
distributed throughout the different parts of the body.
Hormones set off actions once get through the organs
they affect.
 02.
Psychological Dimension
This approach highlights different factors such as
behavioral, cognitive processes, unconscious
processes, and others in psychopathology.
 03.
Emotional Influence
Emotion pertains to a tendency to respond in a
certain way to an external event. Basic emotions like
fear, anger, sadness, or distress, and excitement
may lead to psychological disorders when they
become too intense.
 04.
Socio-Cultural Context
This point of view emphasizes environmental factors
such as society and culture as major factors
influencing psychological problems.
 05.
Developmental Impact
Experiences during different periods of development
are reanalyzed to look for its influence on one's
vulnerability to other types of stress or differing
psychological disorders.
The Diathesis-Stress Model

This model views psychological disorder as a product

of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
This model proposes that some people have enduring
vulnerability factor or predisposing factor (diathesis)
that when combined with stressor leads to
psychological problems. Neither diathesis nor stressor
alone is not sufficient to activate psychological
disorders, both of them must be present.
 The Diathesis-Stress Model

Diathesis Stress
Biological factor, Biological trigger,
The social factor, or Social trigger, or Disorder
Psychological factor Psychological trigger