UNIT- I

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
FORMAT OF STUDY
I. DEFINITION

II. HISTORY

III. CURRENT STATUS

IV. SCOPE AS A SPECIALTY IN HEATH SCIENCE

V. ROLE OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN SPEECH AND HEARING DISORDERS.

VI. CONCEPT OF NORMALITY AND ABNORMALITY

VII. MODELS OF MENTAL DISORDERS

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 1
 DEFINITION
Bellack, A.S. & Hersen,M. ( 1980),
Clinical psychology is an applied science in
which the principles of psychology are utilized
to understand, help & alleviate human problems

1. Understand
-Applied science Utilize principles of
2. Help Human problems
which psychology to
3. Alleviate

Example: 1. Attention & concentration abilities in Learning disability

2. Personality correlates in Stuttering

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2
 DEFINITION
• Canadian Psychological Association, (2000)
Clinical psychology
is
a broad field of practice & research
within
the discipline of psychology
which
applies psychological principles
for
the assessment, prevention, amelioration & rehabilitation
of
Psychological distress- (depression, anxiety, )
Disability- (mental retardation, learning disability)
Dysfunctional behaviors – (sexual dysfunction)
Health-risk behaviors – (smoking, drugs, drinking )
&
for the enhancement of psychological and physical well-being

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
 DEFINITION
In other words,
it is
the broad approach to human problems (both individual and interpersonal)
consisting of
assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, program development, administration
and research
with regard to
numerous populations, including children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, families,
groups and disadvantaged persons.

Health - is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and

not merely the absence of disease or infirmity WHO, 1986.
Resent addition is spiritual dimension

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 4
 HISTORY
The term ‘Clinical Psychology” was first used by Lightner Witmer in 1896 and he
established the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania
But no clear trial of milestones or discoveries which point out its early development.

Sl. I Approach II Approach

No.
1 Ancient world 1. Supernatural tradition
(up to 14th century)
2 The middle ages
Mental illness is the result of outside agency
Renaissance period 2. Biological tradition ( Discovery of the Witchcraft –
15th to 17th century Reginald Scot)- Mental disorders are due to illness
3 Asylums and Reforms 3. Psychological tradition -
18th century Psychological models of mental illness
4 The modern scientific era 4.Scientific & integrated approach –
19th century onwards Kraeplin, Pinel, Germen physicians – scientific models of
mental disorders

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 5
 CURRENT STATUS
Clinical psychology today has been evolved as
an independent branch of psychology.

With the increasing sophistication of our

scientific tools we now realize that no
contribution to the psychological disorders ever
occur in isolation.

Our behavior, both normal and abnormal is a

product of a continual integration of
psychological, biological and social influences
DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 6
 CURRENT STATUS
Clinical psychology Today follows
INTEGRATIVE APPROACH OR MULTIDIMENSIONAL MODEL

This approach incorporated recent developments in the areas of-

1. Genetics
2. Neurosciences
3. Behavioral
4. Cognitive sciences
5. Emotions
6. Cultural
7. Social and Interpersonal factors
8. Life span development /developmental perspective

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 7
SCOPE AS A SPECIALTY IN HEATH SCIENCE

I. POPULATION SEEN
II. SERVICES PROVIDED
Can be highlighted in III groups
III. SERVICE SETTINGS

I. POPULATION SEEN
Clinical psychologists work with a broad range of population

1. Individuals ( infants, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly)

2. Couples ( regardless of gender composition)
3. Families ( traditional, multi- generational)
4. Groups ( communities, ethnic groups, students, homosexuals)
5. Organizations and systems( institutions, cultural systems)

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 8
SCOPE AS A SPECIALTY IN HEATH SCIENCE
II.SERVICES PROVIDED

The typical services provided are –

1. Assessment
2. Diagnosis
3. Treatment
4. Consultation
5. Rehabilitation
6. Teaching
7. Supervisions
8. Policy planning
9. Research
10.Program evaluation
11.Administration
12.Special education
DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 9
SCOPE AS A SPECIALTY IN HEATH SCIENCE
III. SERVICE SETTINGS

The most common service settings are -

1. General hospitals
2. Psychiatric clinics
3. Rehabilitation hospitals and Clinics
4. Community service agencies
5. Private practice
6. Universities and collages
7. Industry
8. The military
9. Prisons
10.Private and Govt. research agencies
11.Schools.

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 10
 CONCEPT OF NORMALITY AND ABNORMALITY
There are five criteria to discriminate between normality and the abnormality.

1. Normality as health
Normality, according to this criteria is “ not sick” , ( traditional medico-psychiatric approach)

2. Normality as ideal
normality is a desirable or ideal state, which describes optimal rather than reasonable or
average personality functioning.

3. Normality as average
the average functioning/performance in the various psychological functions is considered as
normal (Statistical approach).

4. Normality as social acceptance

a behavior can be judged as normal only in terms of the social context within which it occur.
Example : homosexuality or dress code
5. Normality as process
Here, the normality is considered in terms of the process over a time rather than in cross
sectional perspective. Example: Normal personality development.

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 11
 MODELS OF MENTAL DISORDERS
Grouped into two
I. Biological model II. Psychological model
I. Biological model
• Assumes that the causes & most effective treatments for
mental disorders are biological & somatic (Disease model)
• Researches are going on
1. Brain – behavior relationships
2. Neuro - chemical
3. Neurophysiologial aspects of behavior
4. Genetics
5. Molecular biology
It is one of the, most promising model in heath science.

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 12
 MODELS OF MENTAL DISORDERS
II. Psychological model

• This model includes following

a. The Psychodynamic model

This includes classical psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud and Neo- Freudian

theories, according to which mental disorders occur due to either unconscious
part of our mind/characteristic development of personality in the early age.

b. Humanistic model

Here the importance is given to the individual and claimed that man creates his
own destiny and responsible for his behavior. Karl Roger’s person- centered
theory, Maslow’s theory (1954)self- actualization are few theories under this
model.

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 13
 MODELS OF MENTAL DISORDERS
c. Behavioristic model

• According to this model all behaviors are the result of learning, including
abnormal or maladaptive behaviors.

• These maladaptive behaviors can be corrected or modified through the

procedures derived from learning theories such as classical conditioning, operant
conditioning, cognitive learning and social leaning.
d. The social consequence model

• According to this model our behavior is influenced by our culture.

• So, any problems can be understood and treated by taking into consideration of
the socio- cultural background of the individual.

• The current community mental health movement is generated from this model

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 14
 References
1. Korchin S.J. (1975), Modern Clinical Psychology. New
York : Basic books, Inc., Publishers.

2. Bellack, A.S. & Hersen, M.( 1980). Introduction to Clinical

Psychology. New York: Oxford University press.

3. Wilson, G.T., O’Leary K.D. & Nathan P. 1992).

Abnormal Psychology. New Jersey:Prentice Hall Publishers.

4. Barlow, D.H. & Durand, V.M. (1999). Abnormal Psychology.

New York: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.

DR. G. JAYARAMA, READER & HOD-

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 15
 Unit-I class test ( 28.08.09)
One mark for each question
Part- A
1. The school which study the functions of the human mind is established by
a. William James b. Wilhelm Wundt c. J. B. Watson
2. A branch of psychology that deals with the emotional, intellectual, and social changes
across the life span is called as developmental psychology. T/F
3. Mental retardation is an example for dysfunctional behavior. T/F
4. The first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania was established by
1.a. Lightner Witmer . b. B. F. Skinner c. E. B. Titchner
5. Normality is a desirable or ideal state, which describes optimal rather than
reasonable or average personality functioning refers to Normality as Ideal . T/F
6. According to Humanistic model all behaviors are the result of learning, including
abnormal or maladaptive behaviors. T/F
7. According to Maslow, “Esteem Need” is the ultimate goal of any individual. T/F
8. Normal personality development is the example for Normality as Health Criteria.
T/F
1.Part – B
2.Answer only in two lines
9. Psychodynamic model of mental disorders
16
10. Integrative approach in clinical psychology