Psychopathology Flashcards
(36 cards)
Statistical Infrequency
Behaviours that are statistically rare are abnormal
eg: <70 IQ
Statistical Infrequency - Strengths
-Based on real data
-No value judgements
-Gain assistance
Statistical Infrequency - Limitations
-Unclear where to draw line
-Not all infrequent behaviour is abnormal
-Not all abnormal behaviour are infrequent
-Cultural Factors
Deviation from ideal mental health
Failing to meet criteria for psychological well-being
eg: Jahoda
(Self attitude, Personal growth, Integration, Autonomy, Mastery of Environment)
Deviation from ideal mental health - Strengths
-Positivity
-Holistic
-Goal setting
Deviation from ideal mental health - Limitations
-Over demanding
-Context
-Subjective
-Cultural relativism
Deviation from social norms
Behaviour that goes against unwritten social rules and expectations
eg: antisocial personality disorder
Deviation from social norms - Strengths
-Helps people
-Protects society
-Clear normal/abnormal
Deviation from social norms - Limitations
-Cultural relativism
-Abused for political purposes
-Era dependent
Failure to function adequately in society
Individual is unable to cope with everyday life
eg: Rosenhan and Seligman
(personal distress, irrational, maladaptive behaviour)
Failure to function adequately in society - Strengths
-Checklist
-Assess degree of abnormality (GAF)
-Personal perspective
Failure to function adequately in society - Limitations
-Abnormality doesn’t = dysfunction
-Cultural differences
-Distress to others
Phobias Characteristics
Behavioural: panic, avoidance
Emotional: anxiety, fear
Cognitive: irrational belief, cognitive distortions
Depression Characteristics
Behavioural: activity, self harm
Emotional: anger, low self esteem
Cognitive: poor concentration, attention negative
OCD Characteristics
Behavioural: Repetitive compulsions, avoidance
Emotional: Anxiety, depression
Cognitive: Obsessive thoughts, coping strategies
Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias
- Two-Process Model (Mowrer)
- Classical Conditioning (Acquisition of Phobia)
NS (dog) > UCS (bitten) - Operant Conditioning (Maintenance of Phobia)
Phobias are maintained through negative reinforcement.
4: SLT
Acquired through modelling behaviour
Little Albert
Watson Rayner:
9-month-old Albert
Before: white rat (NS) — no fear response.
During: rat + loud noise (UCS) triggered fear (UCR).
After: fear (CR) rat (CS)
Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias - Strengths
-Real world application
-Scientific credibility
-Practical applications (treatment)
Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias - Limitations
-Over-Reliance on Animal Studies
-Ignores cognitive factors
-Biological preparedness(evolution)
-Individual Differences
Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias
Systematic Desensitisation
1: Relax
2: Desensitisation hierarchy
3: Work though hierarchy slowly
4: Mastery
Flooding
1: Relax
2: Immediate exposure
Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias - Strengths
-Effectiveness SD
-Fast + cost effective
-Learning difficulties
Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias - Limitations
-Individual differences
-Ethical issues
-Can’t treat all phobias
Cognitive Approach To Explaining Depression
- Beck’s Negative Triad:
Negative view of the self (“I’m worthless”)
Negative view of the world (“Everyone hates me”)
Negative view of the future (“Things will never get better”)
Negative Self-Schemas: Negative experiences in childhood develop self-schemas reinforce negative thoughts.
- Ellis’s ABC Model
A - Activating Event
B - Belief
C - Consequence (emotional response)
Cognitive Approach To Explaining Depression - Strengths
-Practical Applications (therapy)
-Research support (Clark and Beck)
-Individual control
