4. Psychopathology Flashcards
(24 cards)
Define psychopathology
The study of mental disorders in terms of their causes, development, classification and treatment
Define abnormality
This refers to patterns of behaviours, thoughts,or emotions that deviate from societal norms, cause distress, impairment daily functioning or pose a risk to oneself or others
Define deviation from social norms
A descriptions of abnormality which occurs when a person displays actions or behaviours that deviate drastically from the established norms, expectations or rules commonly accepted within a particular community or society
Define societal norm
An unwritten rule or expectation that guides the behaviour of individuals in a particular group, community or society. These norms reflect shared beliefs about what is considered acceptable, appropriate or typical in social interactions
Define failure to function adequately
A description of abnormality which occurs when an individual struggles to manage or fulfill the typical, responsibilities, tasks or expectations required for daily life. These include maintaining personal hygiene and employment, managing relationships and decision-making
Define statistical infrequency
A description of abnormality which occurs when an individual possesses a characteristic, trait or behaviour that is statistically ‘rare’ compared to the rest of the population
Define deviation from ideal mental health
A description of abnormality which occurs when an individual fails to meet specific criteria or standards for good mental well-being. These include maintaining healthy relationships, managing emotions effectively, demonstrating resilience in times of stress, having a positive self concept, engaging in productive and fulfilling daily activities
Define behavioural characteristic
Ways in which people act
Define cognitive characteristics
Ways in which people think. This also refers to the process of knowing, perceiving and believing
Define emotional characteristic
Ways in which people feel
Define emotional characteristic
Ways in which people feel
Define phobia
An irrational fear of an object or a situation
Define depression
A condition characterised by low mood and low energy levels
Define OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
A condition characterised by persistent, recurring, unpleasant thoughts and repetitive ritualistic behaviours
Define obsessions
The cognitive component of OCD. Recurring thoughts, images etc., are experienced
Define compulsions
The behavioural component of OCD. Repetitive behaviours such as hand washing are completed to help reduce the anxiety experienced
Define the behaviourist approach
A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
Define two-process model
An explanation for phobias which suggests that they are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning
Define classical conditioning
Learning by association. It occurs in when an unconditioned (unlearned) stimulus and a new ‘neutral’ stimulus are repeatedly paired together. The neutral stimulus eventually produces the same response that was originally produced by the unconditioned stimulus
Define operant conditioning
A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences
Define systematic desensitisation
A behavioural therapy designed to reduce an unwanted response, such as anxiety, to a stimulus. It involves drawing up a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking situations related to a phobia, teaching the client to relax, and exposing them to the phobic stimulus
Define relaxation
The state of being free from tension and anxiety
Define anxiety hierarchy
A list of situations related to the phobic object or situation arranged in order from least to most frightening
Define flooding
A behavioural therapy in which a phobic client is exposed to an extreme form of a phobia in order to reduce anxiety
