Question

Taking into consideration that the Psychodynamic (Psychoanalytic) Model explains abnormality in terms of internal (intrapsychic, unconscious) dynamics at work within the individual, which of the following statements refers to Existential Models?

A. The cognitive-behavioral position emphasizes the role of mental factors to explain abnormality, primarily through cognitive distortions (Beck) or irrational thinking (Ellis)
B. Emphasize the role of personal meaning and coming to term with one's inevitable death.
C. The human being as an organism made up of numerous biologic and biochemical systems which are primarily responsible for determining adjustment, behavior, and disorders
D. Abnormality is hypothesized to result when one is not treated or loved unconditionally, resulting in a failure to fully grow and self-actualize.

Answer 1

Existential models of abnormality emphasize the role of personal meaning and dealing with existential concerns such as the awareness of death, contrary to psychodynamic models which focus on unconscious conflicts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Existential models of abnormality focus on the role of personal meaning and coming to terms with one's inevitable death. Unlike the psychodynamic model, which emphasizes internal unconscious conflicts, or cognitive-behavioral theories that emphasize mental factors and thought patterns, existential perspectives concern themselves with the individual's existence, human concerns, and the meaning of life. Existential theories suggest that disorders can arise when individuals fail to find meaning, face existential anxieties, or struggle with the awareness of mortality without the psychological tools to cope effectively.