"What are the advantages and disadvantages of the behaviourist approach to mental disorder?"

The first 200 words of this essay...

Introduction To Abnormal Psychology

PS1110A

Compulsory Coursework Essay Title

Year 1 - Term 2

Hemis Number: 127844

Word Count: 1,571

"What are the advantages and disadvantages of the behaviourist approach to mental disorder?"

The behavioural approach to psychology emphasises the effects that environmental stimuli can have on a person. Because of the importance of the environment, behavioural psychologists concentrate on the process of learning and any lasting change that occurs as a result of any experience. The origins of behaviourism can be traced back to a paper written by John Watson entitled, 'Psychology as the behaviourist views it' (Watson 1913). He emphasised the importance of the environment in our behaviour and there are three central ideas behind the theory. There is an emphasis on observable responses and environmental stimuli, a rejection to any concepts that are not evident from direct observation and a focus on experience and learning as the fundamental basis behind understanding behaviour.

Behaviourists see people as biological organisms that are innately capable of responding to the environment in which they live. Humans like many other organisms are capable of performing a wide range of complex