Psychopathology Flashcards
(35 cards)
4 definitions of abnormality
- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from social norms
- Deviaton from ideal mental health
- Failure to function adequately
Statistical infrequency
Occurs when individual has a less common characteristic. For example, being more depressed or less inelligent. IQ- 2% below score of 70 and classed as ‘abnormal’
Cognitive approach to explaining depression- Becks negative triad
Explain why some ppl more** vulnerable to depression** than others proposing 3 kinds of negative thinking:
1. Faulty info processing- depressed ppl attend to negatives and ignore positives. ‘black and white thinking’- somethings either all bad or all good.
- Negative self-schema: Person interprets all info about them in negative way.
- Negative triad:3 types of negative thinking that contribute to becoming depressed.
Negative view of the world, future and self.
Evaluation of Beck’s negative triad
+Research support: Cohen et al- Tracked 473 adolescents development who regularly displayed cognitive vulnearbility. Showing cognitive vulnerability led to later depression.
+RWA in screening & treating depression: Cohen et al-** cog vulnerability allows psychologists to screen young ppl and monitor those most at risk of developing depression in future. Can be applied in CBT. Therapists alter kind of cognitions that make ppl vulnerable to depression, making them more resiliant to negative life events.
Cognitive approach to explaining depression- Ellis’ ABC model
- Depression occurs when (A) activating event (e.g. failing important test), triggers an (B) irrational belief (major disaster you don’t succeed), producing a (C) consequence (when person fails depression may be triggered with this attitude)
Evaluation of Ellis’ ABC model
+RWA in treatment of depression: Ellis’ approach to cog therapy is called REBT- by vigorously arguing w depresswed person they can alter the irrational beliefs that are making them unhappy, changing negative symptoms and relieving depression symptoms. Support of REBT through David et al.
-Only explains reactive depression: Ellis can’t explain life events that don’t have an ‘activating event’ and isn’t traceable to life events. Ellis’ ABC less useful for explaining endogonous depression.
What is CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that helps individuals manage mental health problems by changing the way they think and behave. Focuses on the present and helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Failure to function adequately
Occurs when someone’s unable to cope w ordinary demands of day-day living. Things like not maintaining nutrition and hygeine, not being able to hold down a job or stay in relationships w ppl around them.
Rosenhan & Seligman also said when a person experiences severe personal distress, bvr becomes irrational, person no longer conforms to interpersonal rules (e.g. eyecontact)
Example- Intellectual disability disorder
Deviation from social norms
**Bvr that’s different from the expected (acceptable) standards of bvr in a society. **
Few bvrs wld be considered universally abnormal as norms are specific to the culture and generation we live in. For example homosexuality seen as abnormal in UK in the past and is still seen as ‘abnormal’ in some cultures.
Example- Antisocial personality disorder (impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible.
Deviation from ideal mental health
**Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for a good mental health. **
What Jahoda suggests ideal mental health looks like:
* No symptoms or distress
* We’re rational and percieve ourselves accurately
* Self-actualise (strive to potential)
* Can cope w stress
* Realistic view of the world
* Good self-esteem and lack guilt
* Independent
* Successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure
Bvh characteristics of phobias
Panic- (crying, screaming, running away)
Avoidance- prevent contact w stimilus
Endurance- remain in presence of phobic stimilus but keep an eye on it
Emotional characteristics of phobias
Anxiety
Fear
Unreasonable
Cognitive characteristics of phobias
Selective attenion of phobic stimilus
Irrational beliefs
Cog distortions
Bvh characteristics of phobias
Bvh characteristics of depression
Activity levels- Typically reduced energy levels
Sleep & eating bvr disruption
Aggression & self-harm
Emotional characteristics of depression
Lowered mood
Anger
Lowered self-esteem (like ourselves less)
Cognitive characteristics of depression
Absolutist thinking (something is either all-good or all-bad)
Dwelling on -ve and ignore +ves
Poor concentration
Bvh characheristics of OCD
Repetitive compolsions (e.g. hand washing)
Compulsions reduce anxiety
Avoidance of situations that may trigger compulsions
Emotional characteristics of OCD
Anxiety & distress (unpleasant experience)
Guilt
Accompanying depression
Cognitive characteristics of OCD
Obsessive thoughts (reccuring thoughts that are usually unpleasant)
Cognitive coping stratergies
Insight into excessive anxiety
What did Mowrer propose?
Proposed the two-process model that phobias are acquired through CC and continue due to OC.
Acqusition of phobias through CC
Associating something we initially have no fear of (NS) with something that triggers a fear response (UCS)
Watson & Rayner- Little Albert who associated loud banging noise w rat. Generalisation occured as he associated his phobia w other furry things.
Maintenance by OC
As individual avoids unpleasant situation they gain negative reinforcement which removes unpleasant situation.
Mowrer said reduction in fear reinforces avoidance bvr so bvr repeated.
Bvr approach to treating phobias (SD)
SD- Gradually reduce phobic anxiety through CC as if person can learn to relax in phobic stimilus presence they will be cured. This learning of a diff response is Counterconditioning.
3 Processes involved:
1. Anxiety hierachy
2. Relaxation- Impossible to relax and be afraid at same time (reciprocal inhibition)
3. Exposure
