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Social Influence and Psychopathology

This experiment was a start of many conformity experiences that used similar methods. .
             Sherif (1935) used torchlight projected on a dashboard in a dark room, the light will appear to move even though it is still (visual illusion), individuals were asked how far the light has moved (it was between 20cm – 80cm) then he put three people in a group of which two of the estimates were similar and one that had very different norm. The findings were that the person with the different norm conformed to the view of the other two in a group. This experiment was criticized too for its lack of ecological validity, as the circumstances were very artificial. This theory demonstrates internalization and informational conformity. .
             Asch's (1952) aim was to improve on Sherif's study. He had eight individuals seated in a small room, they were asked which of the three lines are the same length as the one marked as an X, seven out of eight individuals in the room were actors and were choosing the wrong answer. This was repeated with different lines and every time the actors were giving wrong answer even though it was obvious which one was right. It was found the eighth individual who didn't know the seven others were actors conformed his answer. This theory demonstrates compliance and normative conformity, as what you say doesn't match what you think. This study was done on male college students therefore the results were not generalizable outside the population. This experiment lack ecological validity, its not used in every day life. .
             Haney, Banks and Zimbardo (1973) studied prisoners and guards in a simulated prison. There were 22 male individuals selected for this study who volunteered to do this for 2 weeks. All volunteers were paid $15 a day and they were all clinically examined and all were in good physical and mental health. They were randomly given roles of guards and prisoners. Prisoners were arrested in their homes without knowing; they were blindfolded and taken to the prison.


Essays Related to Social Influence and Psychopathology

1. A Profile on Psychiatric Disorders and Psychopathology

Researchers have concluded that the amygdala plays a crucial role in the genetic influence of adulthood psychopaths, hence a biological trigger for young psychopaths. ... Furthermore other studies like the environmental setting and parental influence on children have, in many cases, been the leading cause for triggers in the psychopathic mind. ... By using the cognitive-behavior, psychologist and researchers are able to acknowledge themselves of the social, developmental, and behavioral factors of the etiology. ... By using molecular testing on children with the psychopathology disorder, many...

  • Word Count: 1714
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Graduate

2. The Vulnerability-Stress Model and Psychiatric Disorders

Hankins et al believes stressful life events appear to be linked to symptoms of psychopathology, such as schizophrenia or anxiety disorders. ... In his article he proposes that stress effects cortisol production, acts upon a pre-existing vulnerability which triggers and worsen the symptoms of psychopathology (p. 1) He stresses out that the pathway of vulnerability depends on neuro-endocrine through stress exposure specifically cortisol release that brings about the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis that influences dopamine transmission. ... Describing vulnerability-stress model to explain s...

  • Word Count: 851
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

3. Classification Systems of Mental Disorders

Secondly, this paper reviews the DSM-5 changes and looks at how the changes influence are expected influence the classification of mental disorder, especially with the inclusion of cultural bound syndrome (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). ... Understanding how socio-cultural influences affect the individual is complex, historically psychology has long placed a strong emphasis on an individuals values and beliefs, whereas the social environments influence upon human functioning is also powerful (Lopez & Guarnaccia, 2000). It is impossible to disentangle the action of the social world on...

  • Word Count: 2238
  • Approx Pages: 9
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

4. Holistic Multidimensional Paradigm

A more effective way in approaching this topic would be to ask to what extent and in what ways they influence personality. All personality traits can not be placed into the two proposed categories; genetically determined or socially/environmentally learned. ... The idea that there are thoughts in the unconscious that motivate and influence our behavior is ridiculous. ... There are personal and situational variables that may influence the consistency in one's behavior. They may also influence each other in any given situation. ...

  • Word Count: 1946
  • Approx Pages: 8
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

5. Psyche and soma -the relations

Sigmund Freud developed a theory of psychopathology that emphasized the inner dynamics of unconscious motives called the psychoanalytic perspective. ... Other vulnerabilities include early social deprivation, inadequate parenting, emotional trauma, and dysfunctional peer relationship. Physical aspects and its influence on psyche: Physique: Some early research sought to establish a direct link between physique and psychopathology e.g. between muscular physique and criminal behavior. ... Gross brain pathology (that in, physical malformation of or damage to the brain) neurotransmission ...

  • Word Count: 2608
  • Approx Pages: 10
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

6. Counseling The Homosexual Population

In fact, it was not until 1973 that homosexual men and women received a large amount of acceptance socially. ... These include, but are not limited to the social cultural foundations, the growth as an individual, and career and lifestyle development. ... The social cultural foundations of a homosexual, are quite different than those of a heterosexual. The counselor must understand that heterosexism pervades the social and cultural foundations of many institutions and traditions and may foster negative attitudes toward homosexuals. ... Therefore, a counselor, especially new to this arena, sh...

  • Word Count: 2372
  • Approx Pages: 9
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

7. Birth Rank

Beliefs about birth rank and it's contribution, personality, family role, and peer influence have been studied greatly by man psychologists and sociologists. ... The middle birth position identified with social able characteristics, thoughtfulness, responsibility, ambition, and independence. The youngest birth position was viewed as social and thoughtful. ... The seven variable were adolescent psychopathology, family pathology, family autonomy, family permeability, family closeness, responsibility, and clarity of expression. ... Beliefs about birth rank reflect what a society regards a...

  • Word Count: 1121
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

8. Drug Use And Kids

Adolescents are influenced by these factors and by adult role models and environmental messages related to substances. ... Substance use for most teenagers is not an issue of psychopathology but of the influence on normal functioning. ... Adolescent use is more commonly related to social and peer factors, whereas abuse is more a function of psychologic and biologic factors. ... Problem drug use is a symptom, not a cause, of personal and social maladjustment. ... The following risk factors for drug abuse by adolescents were identified: biological predisposition to drug abuse...

  • Word Count: 1301
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

9. Anerexia Nervosa

Along with other factors, anorexia is influenced by genetics, unhappiness with family, and excessive physical activity. ... The more intense the social pressure to be skinny, the more likely it seems that a troubled young woman will develop an eating disorder, especially if they believe that control over one's appetite is the way to win respect and attain social success. ... Theories about the influence of parents raise similar questions of cause and effect. ... Another speculation is that eating disorders are influenced by enkephalins and endorphins. ... Mental health interve...

  • Word Count: 1610
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

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