Punishment involves following a response with an unpleasant condition, which weakens the behavior, making it less likely to be repeated. If a child touches a hot stove and feels pain, it is likely that the stove-touching behavior will be less likely to occur. The cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, interpersonal , and sociocultural viewpoints have added a great deal to earlier theories of abnormal behavior. They have added new dimensions to our understanding and given us new techniques, interventions, and goals for treating abnormal behavior. All perspectives have strengths and weaknesses, and some may be more suited to a particular individual, or to a specific type of disorder.
None seems complete in and of itself.
Admittedly integrating this vast amount of information is a difficult undertaking, but it seems more likely to lead to the most appropriate treatment for a particular individual. As you read this chapter, see which perspectives fit most consistently with your own values. Written Assignment 3 Discuss research findings about primary reaction tendencies and temperament. Define five ego-defense mechanisms and give an example for each.