Psychopathology Mid Topic Test

Question 1

Advantage of systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

Strong empirical support demonstrating its effectiveness
McGrath et al - 75% of patients with phobias showed significant improvement following SD

Question 2

Disadvantage of systematic desensitisation

Answer 2

Not defective in treating all types of phobias
SD is most successful in addressing phobia that develop through classical conditioning

Phobias do not arise from direct experience

Question 3

Advantage of flooding

Answer 3

At least as effective as other treatments for specific phobias while being more cost-effective
Ougrin found that flooding is highly effective and works more quickly than alternative treatments and fewer therapy sessions are required

Question 4

Disadvantage of flooding

Answer 4

Not suitable for all patients due to the extreme levels of distress
Schumacher 2015 found that flooding is significantly more stressful than systematic desensitisation

Question 5

Advantage of behavioral approach as an explanation of phobia

Answer 5

Supportive empirical case study evidence
Watson and Rayner 1920 used CC to create a phobia in an infant known as Little Albert
The researchers initiated a phobia of a white rat when he learned to associate the rat (NS) with a loud noise (UCS)

Question 6

Limitation of behavioral approach to explaining phobias

Answer 6

Overlooks the role of cognition
Cognitivists argue that phobias develop not just through conditioning but also as a result of maladaptive thinking patterns

Question 7

Advantage of statistical deviation

Answer 7

Can be an appropriate measure
IQ is assessed using the normal distribution
Statistical infrequency provides objective and measurable criteria for understanding specific conditions

Question 8

Strength of deviation from social norms

Answer 8

It’s utility in clinical practice
Key characteristic of antisocial personality disorder is the failure to conform to culturally acceptable ethical standards

Question 9

Strength of failure to function adequately

Answer 9

Considers the patients subjective perspective when assessing mental disorders, ensuring the individual’s experience is central to the evaluation process
Fostering empathy

Question 10

Limitation of failure to function adequately

Answer 10

Requires an objective judgement
Some may view not having a job as a FTFA others may disagree

Question 11

Strength of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 11

Jahoda’s criteria are highly comprehensive
Most of the reasons people seek mental health support

Question 12

Limitation of DFIMH

Answer 12

Unreasonably high standards for mental health
Few people achieve full self-actualisation
Significant portion of the population would would be classified as having elements of abnormality