Background - Alternatives to Medical Model

Cause → theories linked to classical conditioning, operant conditioning and social learning theory can explain mental illness.

• Classical Conditioning - can explain anxiety through links of phobia's
  • the conditiong of the brain, like with phobia's can be linked as similar to the conditioning of the brain with anxiety
• Operant Conditioning - Some argue mental illness can be explained in terms of rewards
  • Negative reinforcement, through the removal of somethiing unpleasant could ensure the mental illness for long period of time
• Social Learning Theory - Based on assumptions that poeple will imitate what they observe
  • Argued that behaviour shown in depression can be transmitted to others

Cause → mental illness is due to mental processes and thoughts/faulty processes

• Beck suggests that there are 3 main dsyfunctional beliefs of those suffering from depression:
  • I am worthless
  • Everything I do will fail
  • The future is hopeless 
• Depressed people only concencrate on negative information that confirms their negative thoughts (Beck)

Albert Ellis → claims that irrational thoughts could cause mental disorders → people set too high of expectations for themselves, counting towards mental disorders

• Cause → Behaviour is determined by our unconscious = id and superego are constantly conflicting
  • Superego = leads to depression
  • Ego used as a defence mechanism = sign of mental illness

• Defence mechanism → Denial can block painful truths = resulting in anxiety/depression
  • Repressing memories from disturbing experiences in childhood can lead to unhealthy behaviours