Psychopathology Flashcards
(47 cards)
What is the definition of Statistical Infrequency?
Behaviour is abnormal if it is statistically rare in the population (e.g., IQ below 70).
Example: Intellectual disability disorder (IQ < 70)
What are the strengths of the Statistical Infrequency definition?
- Objective
- Based on real data
- Useful for clinical assessment
What are the limitations of the Statistical Infrequency definition?
- Not all rare behaviours are undesirable (e.g., high IQ)
- Some common behaviours (e.g., depression) are undesirable
Define Deviation from Social Norms.
Abnormality is when behaviour violates implicit or explicit societal rules.
Give an example of Deviation from Social Norms.
Antisocial personality disorder (APD) involves behaviour that deviates from legal/social norms.
What are the strengths of the Deviation from Social Norms definition?
- Considers desirability of behaviour
- Distinguishes between desirable and undesirable
What are the limitations of the Deviation from Social Norms definition?
- Cultural relativism (norms vary)
- Can lead to human rights abuses (historical misuse, e.g., homosexuality)
What is the definition of Failure to Function Adequately?
Abnormal if unable to cope with everyday demands (e.g., hygiene, work, relationships).
List the criteria for Failure to Function Adequately according to Rosenhan & Seligman (1989).
- Observer discomfort
- Unpredictability
- Maladaptiveness
- Irrationality
- Personal distress
Give an example of Failure to Function Adequately.
Severe depression stopping someone from working.
What are the strengths of the Failure to Function Adequately definition?
- Considers individual experience
- Practical for identifying those needing help
What are the limitations of the Failure to Function Adequately definition?
- Subjective judgments
- Some abnormal behaviours may be functional (e.g., hunger strikes)
Define Deviation from Ideal Mental Health.
Absence of features indicating psychological well-being.
List the criteria for Ideal Mental Health according to Jahoda (1958).
- Positive self-attitude
- Self-actualisation
- Resistance to stress
- Autonomy
- Accurate perception of reality
- Environmental mastery
What are the strengths of the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition?
- Holistic
- Focuses on positive attributes
What are the limitations of the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition?
- Unrealistically high standard (few meet all criteria)
- Culture-bound (Western ideals)
What are the emotional clinical characteristics of phobias?
Excessive, unreasonable fear/anxiety.
What are the behavioural clinical characteristics of phobias?
Avoidance, panic (crying, running away).
What are the cognitive clinical characteristics of phobias?
Irrational beliefs, selective attention to phobic stimulus.
What is the Two-Process Model in the Behavioural Explanation of phobias?
Phobia acquired by classical conditioning and maintained via operant conditioning.
What is classical conditioning in the context of phobias?
Phobia acquired by associating neutral stimulus with fear.
What is operant conditioning in the context of phobias?
Phobia maintained via negative reinforcement (avoidance reduces anxiety).
What is the effectiveness of Systematic Desensitisation (SD)?
SD is effective for spider phobia with long-term benefits.
What is the process of Systematic Desensitisation?
Anxiety hierarchy, relaxation, gradual exposure.
