NRNP 6640 Week 1 discussion

NRNP 6640 Week 1 discussion

Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis. Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective of the value of psychotherapy treatments. Support your rationale with evidence-based literature.

The purpose of this discussion is to provide an explanation of the biological basis of psychotherapy. Additionally, how various factors might influence perceptions and outcomes of psychotherapy will be discussed with an emphasis on the provider’s responsibility in considering those factors to provide the best care.

The Biological Basis of Psychotherapy: Understanding Neuroplasticity and its Impact

Introduction

The biological basis of psychotherapy delves into the intricate world of neuroplasticity, where the brain undergoes positive and negative neuronal changes in response to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors throughout one’s lifespan (Shaffer, 2016). This essay embarks on a journey to explore how psychotherapy influences neurobiology, examining the concepts of neurogenesis, epigenetic modifications, and neurocircuitry changes. Furthermore, it addresses the crucial role culture, religion, and socioeconomic status play in an individual’s perception and reception of psychotherapy.

Neuroplasticity and Psychotherapy

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and rewire itself, forms the foundation of the biological basis of psychotherapy. One key aspect of neuroplasticity is neurogenesis, which involves the generation of new neurons in response to stimulating experiences—a phenomenon known as arborization (Wheeler, 2014, p. 58). Psychotherapeutic interventions have demonstrated their capacity to induce positive changes in neurocircuitry, as well as evoke epigenetic and neuroendocrine modifications that influence cognitive processes (Miller, 2017). Neuroimaging studies conducted before and after psychotherapeutic interventions for conditions like depression and anxiety reveal substantial alterations in brain regions associated with emotions, fear responses, and reward mechanisms (Fournier & Price, 2014).

Cultural Influences

The impact of culture on individuals’ perspectives of psychotherapy cannot be overstated. Cultural backgrounds encompass shared histories, customs, rituals, beliefs, values, and identity, influencing how people perceive the world and interpret their experiences. Social Scripting Theory (Thomkins et al., 2017) highlights that most individuals within the same culture adhere to a collective script when interpreting behaviors, emotions, and responses. These cultural norms are learned through personal experiences and societal observations, forming the lens through which individuals view their world.

These cultural variations significantly affect people’s receptivity to psychotherapeutic interventions. For example, some cultures may embrace psychotherapy as a valuable resource, while others may harbor skepticism due to deeply rooted cultural values. The example of Ashkenazic Jewish populations, who view seeking expert help as a positive response to problems, contrasts with certain White Anglo-Saxon cultures, which may resist psychotherapy due to values like stoicism and self-reliance (Midlarsky et al., 2012). African American and European American veterans’ perceptions of mental health care may not differ significantly, but individual experiences of cultural insensitivity may affect their willingness to engage with mental health providers (Castro et al., 2015).

Discussion 1: Exploring Scholary Sources and the Walden Library

Psychotherapy providers must conduct comprehensive cultural assessments to understand treatment preferences and expectations. Additionally, self-assessment is crucial for providers to recognize their own biases and prejudices, cultivate culturally focused skills, and expand their knowledge of diverse cultural perspectives (Wheeler, 2014, pp. 19-20). Culturally competent care can then be tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Religious Beliefs and Psychotherapy

Religious beliefs significantly shape individuals’ perspectives on psychotherapy. In a country where 75% of the population considers religion important (Abernethy & Lancia, 1998), understanding the interplay between spirituality and psychotherapy is essential. Some clients seek to integrate their spiritual or religious values into psychotherapy, while others may hesitate to discuss spiritual matters in a non-religious setting (Captari et al., 2018).

Religious beliefs can significantly affect a client’s view of psychotherapy and treatment outcomes. Fundamental beliefs vary widely, with Judaism emphasizing the inherent goodness of humans and Christian theology focusing on original sin (Midlarsky et al., 2012). Psychotherapy providers must assess clients’ spiritual or religious values, align them with treatment expectations, and provide care that respects these deeply held beliefs (Captari et al., 2018). Understanding religiocultural transference and countertransference dynamics, as described by Abernethy and Lancia (1998), is vital for providers to navigate the complexity of religious influences in psychotherapy.

Socioeconomic Factors

Socioeconomic status, defined by income, occupation, education, and social hierarchy, plays a critical role in psychotherapy outcomes. Low socioeconomic status can lead to decreased cognitive flexibility, a crucial factor for processing thoughts, feelings, and behavioral change (Levi et al., 2018). Socially disadvantaged populations often face challenges in accessing mental health care, leading to poorer psychological treatment outcomes and higher dropout rates (Finegan et al., 2018), (Levi et al., 2018). Socioeconomic status is a significant determinant of psychiatric morbidity (Finegan et al., 2018).

To provide the best possible care, psychotherapy providers must conduct thorough socioeconomic assessments. This knowledge helps identify barriers faced by socially disadvantaged populations and informs the use of effective therapies such as self-affirmation and mindfulness interventions, which can enhance cognitive control and emotional states (Levi et al., 2018).

Conclusion

The biological basis of psychotherapy is intricately linked to the brain’s remarkable capacity for neuroplasticity. Understanding how psychotherapy influences neurobiology is crucial for providing effective care. Additionally, recognizing and addressing cultural, religious, and socioeconomic diversities is essential to ensuring equitable access to psychotherapy and delivering optimal outcomes for all clients. Psychotherapy providers must strive for cultural competence and self-awareness to provide care that is both sensitive and responsive to the unique needs of each individual.

References

Abernethy, A. D., & Lanica, J. J. (1998). Religion and the psychotherapeutic relationship: Transferential and countertransferential dimensions. The Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 7(4), 281–289. https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/pmc/articles/PMC3330516/

Captari, L. E., Hook, J. N., Hoyt, W., Davis, D. E., McElroy-Heltzel, S. E., & Worthington, E. L. (2018). Integrating clients’ religion and spirituality within psychotherapy: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(11), 1938–1951. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22681

Castro, F., AhnAllen, C. G., Wiltsey-Stirman, S., Lester-Williams, K., Klunk-Gillis, J., Dick, A. M., & Resick, P. A. (2015). African American and European American veterans’ perspectives on receiving mental health treatment. Psychological Services, 12(3), 330–338. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038702

Finegan, M., Firth, N., Wojnarowski, C., & Delgadillo, J. (2018). Associations between socioeconomic status and psychological therapy outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Depression and Anxiety, 35(6), 560–573. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22765

Fournier, J. C., & Price, R. B. (2014). Psychotherapy and neuroimaging. FOCUS, 12(3), 290–298. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.12.3.290

Levi, U., Laslo-Roth, R., & Rosenstreich, E. (2018). Socioeconomic status and psychotherapy: A cognitive-affective view. Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Forecast, 1(2), 1–3. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eyal_Rosenstreich/publication/328238564_Socioeconomic_Status_and_Psychotherapy_A_Cognitive-Affective_View/links/5bc0935d458515a7a9e311cd/Socioeconomic-Status-and-Psychotherapy-A-Cognitive-Affective-View.pdf

Midlarsky, E., Pirutinsky, S., & Cohen, F. (2012). Religion, ethnicity, and attitudes toward psychotherapy. Journal of Religion and Health, 51(2), 498–506. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-012-9599-4

Miller, C. W. T. (2017). Epigenetic and neural circuitry landscape of psychotherapeutic interventions. Psychiatry Journal, 2017, 1–38. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5491812

Shaffer, J. (2016). Neuroplasticity and clinical practice: Building brain power for health. Frontiers in Psychology. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01118/full

Tompkins, K. A., Swift, J. K., Rousmaniere, T. G., & Whipple, J. L. (2017). The relationship between clients’ depression etiological beliefs and psychotherapy orientation preferences, expectations, and credibility beliefs. Psychotherapy, 54(2), 201–206. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000070

Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse, Second Edition: A How-To Guide for Evidence-Based Practice (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.

Response

Hello Jennifer. The debate surrounding the biological basis of psychotherapy has persisted, with some opponents raising doubts. However, emerging evidence from neuroimaging studies firmly establishes the biological foundation of psychotherapy. I wholeheartedly concur with your perspective that psychotherapy exerts a tangible influence on cognitive processes by inducing transformative changes in neurocircuitry, epigenetic mechanisms, and neuroendocrine functions (Javanbakht & Alberini, 2019). These neurological changes underscore the robust biological underpinnings of psychotherapy. Deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying mental health disorders provides a solid foundation for comprehending the biological basis of psychotherapy. These psychiatric conditions provoke plastic changes within the brain. The primary objective of psychotherapy is to reconfigure the brain by harnessing the intricate biological regulations that underlie the brain’s multifaceted responses (Wheeler, 2014). Hence, your argument highlighting the significance of both positive and negative neurobiological adaptations in response to life experiences offers a compelling perspective.

Furthermore, your exploration of the influence of culture, religion, and socioeconomics on attitudes toward psychotherapy is invaluable. Culture wields considerable sway over individuals’ general perceptions of mental health disorders and health-seeking behaviors. For instance, ethnic and racial minorities, particularly men, may harbor negative attitudes toward psychotherapy due to entrenched societal norms and beliefs. The impact of religion on the practice and outcomes of psychotherapy is profound, as you rightly mentioned. Religious beliefs can either enhance or hinder the efficacy of therapy, making it imperative to understand their potential influence. Moreover, socioeconomic factors significantly shape the effectiveness of psychotherapy. A substantial body of research consistently demonstrates that clients with low socioeconomic status bear a disproportionate burden of psychiatric conditions and experience poorer clinical outcomes (Koç & Kafa, 2018).

References

Javanbakht, A., & Alberini, C. M. (2019). Editorial: Neurobiological models of psychotherapy. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 13, 144. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00144

Koç, V., & Kafa, G. (2018). Cross-cultural research on psychotherapy: The need for a change. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 50(1), 100-115. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022118806577

Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.