Growth model refer to theories based on assumptions that human beings develop over time, and that individuals can direct the change in their own lives. In contrast, deterministic models, such as a psychoanalytic approach, presume patterns are set at certain ages and change is not under conscious control. Also in contrast, a medical model presumes that psychological difficulties follow a pathological pattern similar to physical disease. Growth models do not presuppose illness, but rather learning deficits, mistaken ideas, or others factors that can be controlled by the individual. Therapies for growth models also approach difficulties holistically rather than treating symptoms as medical practices usually do.
Lexicon of Psychology - Terms, Treatments, Biographies,