psychopathology - Part 1 Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is Statistical Infrequency?
Someone is mentally abnormal if their mental condition is very rare in the population
The rarity is judged using statistics, comparing individual behavior to the population.
What does the normal distribution curve illustrate?
It shows a population’s average spread of specific characteristics
The Mean, Median, and Modal scores are at the highest point.
What is an example of Statistical Infrequency in terms of intelligence?
An IQ of 70 or lower is classed as abnormal, indicating intellectual disability disorder (IDD)
Fewer than 2% of the population falls in this category.
What is a positive evaluation of Statistical Infrequency?
It allows us to define abnormality objectively and based on statistics
This makes it more valid than subjective clinical judgment.
What is a limitation of Statistical Infrequency related to subjectivity?
The psychological community decides what level is rare enough to be called abnormal
This subjectivity can have real consequences, like denying support.
Why can high IQs be a limitation of Statistical Infrequency?
High IQs (e.g., 130) are rare but not seen as problematic
This could lead to incorrect diagnoses of gifted individuals.
What is Failure to Function Adequately (FFA)?
An individual is defined as abnormal if they cannot cope in their daily lives
This includes their ability to interact with the world and meet challenges.
List the features of failure to function according to Rosenhan and Seligman.
- Maladaptive behaviour
- Personal anguish
- Observer discomfort
- Irrationality
- Unconventionality
These features help identify abnormality.
What is a limitation of FFA regarding subjective decision-making?
Whether someone is coping is based on clinician opinion
Different clinicians may not agree on the assessment.
Why may not all abnormal people fail to function?
E.g., psychopaths can function well in society but can still be dangerous
This indicates that functioning does not equate to being non-abnormal.
What is Deviation from Ideal Mental Health (DIMH)?
A definition focusing on how to improve and become a better person rather than defining mental health as dysfunction or deficit
Proposed by Marie Jahoda.
List Jahoda’s Six Criteria for Ideal Mental Health.
- Environmental Mastery
- Autonomy
- Resistance to Stress
- Self-Actualisation
- Positive Attitude Toward the Self
- Accurate Perception of Reality
Deviation from these features indicates abnormality.
What is a cultural limitation of DIMH?
It is based in Western humanistic ideals, emphasizing autonomy
This may not be valued in collectivist cultures where group support is more important.
What is a strict criterion limitation of DIMH?
It is difficult for anyone to meet all six criteria all the time
Many would be classed as abnormal if strict adherence is required.
What is a positive aspect of DIMH?
It offers a more constructive and holistic approach than other definitions
It respects individual experience and provides guidance for improvement.
What are the behavioural characteristics of phobias?
Avoidance (avoiding the phobic object or situation), panic (uncontrollable physical response like screaming or running), and failure to function (disruption of everyday activities such as work or socialising).
What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?
Anxiety (a high state of arousal that makes it difficult to relax) and fear (intense emotional response to the phobic object, subsiding when it is removed).
What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?
Irrational thoughts (exaggerated beliefs about harm), reduced cognitive capacity (difficulty focusing on anything else), and attentional bias towards the phobic stimulus.
What are the behavioural characteristics of depression?
Reduced activity levels (lethargy and lack of motivation), changes in eating behaviour (weight gain or loss), and increased aggression (towards others or self, including self-harm).
What are the emotional characteristics of depression?
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, low mood, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?
Poor concentration, indecisiveness, and negative schemas (automatic, negative thoughts about the self, the world, and the future).
What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?
Compulsions (repetitive behaviours like checking or cleaning), avoidance (avoiding situations that trigger obsessions), and social impairment (withdrawing from normal activities).
What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?
Anxiety (caused by intrusive obsessions), distress, and depression (due to inability to control thoughts or behaviours).
What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?
Obsessions (intrusive, irrational recurring thoughts), hypervigilance (constant alertness), and selective attention (focusing only on obsessive concerns).
