Psychopathology studies / evaluation Flashcards
(22 cards)
Statistical infrequency strengths
Objective, based on real data
Statistical infrequency weaknesses
Not all rare behaviours are undesirable (e.g., high IQ); some common behaviours are abnormal (e.g., depression).
Deviation from social norms strengths
Considers context and societal standards
Deviation from social norms weaknesses
Cultural relativism-what is abnormal in one culture may be normal in another
FFA strengths
Focuses on the individual’s experience
FFA weaknesses
Subjective judgment; some people may choose alternative lifestyles.
Deviation from Ideal mental Health strengths
Positive approach, focuses on what is healthy
Deviation from Ideal mental Health weaknesses
Unrealistically high standards; culturally biased towards Western ideals
What is the 2 process model of phobias (Mowrer 1947)
Acquisition through classical conditioning (association between neutral and frightening stimulus).
Maintenance through operant conditioning (avoidance reduces anxiety, negatively reinforcing the phobia)
2 process model strengths
Supported by case studies (e.g., Little Albert); led to effective treatments.
2 process model weaknesses
Not all phobias are acquired through trauma; ignores cognitive factors.
Systematic desensitisation strengths
Effective for a wide range of phobias
Systematic desensitisation weaknesses
Not as effective for all phobias, expensive and time consuming
Flooding strengths
Fast treatment that is still effective
Flooding weaknesses
Too traumatic for some patients, not able to be used for some phobias
Becks negative triad strengths
Supported by lots of other research (Bates found when non depressed individuals read negative statements it lead to a depressed mood)
Becks negative triad weaknesses
Doesn’t explain all depression (bipolar disorder), correlational links, ignored biological factors
Ellis ABC model strengths
Practical application in effective CBT
Ellis ABC model weaknesses
Not all depression stems from an activating event
CBT strengths
Highly effective, especially when combined with drug therapy
Biological explanation to OCD strengths
Supported by neuroscience and drug therapy effectiveness.
Biological explanation to OCD weaknesses
Reductionist (ignores environment and cognition); not all cases have a clear biological basis
