Author Question: Why does the selection of a theoretical perspective of mental disorders matter? What will be an ... (Read 615 times)

stevenposner · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Why does the selection of a theoretical perspective of mental disorders matter?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Distinguish between assimilation and accommodation.

What will be an ideal response?

jojobee318 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The perspective one selects will alter how one views mental disorders. Theoretical perspectives influence how we perceive abnormal behavior, the questions we ask about abnormal behavior, and, most important, how we interpret available data. One set of data may be interpreted very differently by individuals of different theoretical perspectives.

Answer to Question 2

We all possess schemas, views of ourselves and of the world that filter and organize our experiences. Sometimes we experience events that fit well into our existing schemas or expectations of the world. In such an instance, when we can fit something new into an existing cognitive framework, assimilation has occurred. Sometimes, however, we have to alter our existing schemas. When we are forced to make changes in existing schemas, accommodation has occurred.