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Cyclical processes in personality and psychopathology
1Department of Psychology, City College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York.
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Psychological disorders often involve vicious circles where internal states and external events continuously reinforce each other. Understanding these cyclical patterns is key to improving psychopathology and therapeutic interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Psychological disorders are often maintained by cyclical processes.
- Internal states and external events can create self-perpetuating difficulties.
- These circular processes resemble a psychological perpetual motion machine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of vicious circles in psychological disorders.
- To illustrate how these circular processes manifest in various psychological difficulties.
- To discuss the implications for understanding and treating psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of psychological disorders.
- Illustration of circular processes in representative psychological difficulties.
- Discussion of theoretical implications for clinical practice.
Main Results:
- Vicious circles are central to the development and maintenance of psychological disorder.
- A discernible structure exists where internal states and external events mutually reinforce.
- Circular processes are demonstrable in various psychological difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Appreciating vicious circles enhances the understanding of psychopathology.
- Identifying and intervening in these cycles is crucial for therapeutic effectiveness.
- This conceptualization offers a framework for both understanding and treating psychological distress.