Ch 8: The Sociocultural Model of Abnormal Behavior
About This Chapter
The Sociocultural Model of Abnormal Behavior - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
In this chapter, the focus is on abnormal behavior and how it is explained through the sociocultural model. You will learn a bit about what abnormal behavior is so that you can see how this model approaches it. Within these lessons, you will learn about different things that may influence abnormal behavior and how those things are generally looked at through this model. Some of the topics covered in this lesson include how the following influence abnormal behavior:
- Social roles
- Social networks
- Family systems
- Gender
- Sexuality
Video | Objective |
---|---|
The Sociocultural Model and Abnormal Functioning | See how this model is used to help explain abnormal functioning. |
Social Roles and Labeling: Impact on Abnormal Functioning | Learn about social labeling and the effects this can have on functioning. |
The Role of Social Networks and Support in Abnormal Functioning | Study how abnormal functioning is influenced by social networks and support. |
Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory | Examine the influence of family systems, structure and communication on abnormal functioning. |
Sociocultural Treatments: Types of Therapy & Community Treatment | Explore sociocultural treatment options. |
Multicultural Theory and Treatment of Abnormal Functioning | Take a look at multicultural theory and the related views on abnormal functioning. |
The Effects of Gender, Sexuality & Socialization on Abnormal Behavior | Find out about the way society views abnormal behavior and influencing factors. |
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Sociocultural Model | Discover the strengths and weaknesses of the sociocultural model. |

1. The Sociocultural Model and Abnormal Functioning
There are many theories on what causes psychological issues. In this lesson, we'll explore the sociocultural model of abnormality, including what it is, what some key components of the theory are, and how sociocultural theorists treat abnormality.

2. Social Roles and Labeling: Impact on Abnormal Functioning
What happens if someone is labeled mentally ill, but they aren't? In this lesson, we'll examine the way that society shapes how we view certain behaviors, as well as the impact of psychological labeling and a famous study done by David Rosenhan that illustrates some issues with psychological diagnosis.

3. The Role of Social Networks and Support in Abnormal Functioning
Everybody needs a friend sometimes. In this lesson, we'll look at the impact of social support on people who are suffering from mental illness. We'll also examine two major hypotheses as to why social support helps people with psychological issues.

4. The Effects of Gender, Sexuality & Socialization on Abnormal Behavior
Psychological disorders are influenced by society and culture. In this lesson, we'll look at how society's views on gender and sexuality can raise mental health issues.

5. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Sociocultural Model
How much of an impact do society and culture have on mental illness? Proponents of the sociocultural model believe that they play a major part. But there are both strengths and weaknesses of this model, which we'll examine in this lesson.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Psychology 106: Abnormal Psychology course
- Intro to Abnormal Psychology
- Clinical Research for Abnormal Psychology
- The Biological Model of Abnormality
- The Psychodynamic Model of Abnormal Behavior
- The Behavioral/Learning Model of Abnormal Behavior
- The Cognitive Model of Abnormal Behavior
- The Humanistic-Existential Model of Abnormal Behavior
- The Diathesis-Stress Model
- Clinical Assessment in Abnormal Psychology
- Introduction to Anxiety Disorders
- Mood Disorders of Abnormal Psychology
- Stress Disorders
- Somatoform Disorders in Abnormal Psychology
- Dissociative Disorders in Psychology
- Eating Disorders in Abnormal Psychology
- Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders
- Substance Use Disorders
- Psychotic Disorders
- Cognitive Disorders
- Lifespan Development Disorders
- Personality Disorders in Abnormal Psychology
- Factitious Disorders
- Treatment in Abnormal Psychology
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Abnormal Psychology
- Studying for Psychology 106