Pyschopathology Flashcards
(39 cards)
Definition of statistical infrequency
Abnormal behaviours are statistically rare or uncommon as opposed to normal behaviours which are statistically common.
Anyone who falls outside the normal distribution are perceived as abnormal e.g. having a lower IQ
Evaluation of stat infrequency
+ clear and easy to use, which means it offers a clear-cut way of distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviour, which makes it easier for clinicians to use as part of making a diagnosis
- requires a subjective judgement on where the cut-off between normal and abnormal should be. This is negative because it cannot be used to truly objectively when diagnosing disorders.
- it may be culturally biased which means ethnocentric
What are deviation from social norms
Someone is abnormal if they behave in a way that I seen as unacceptable by the majority in society
There are specific roles in society. These are explicit which are written laws and implicit which are non written laws. For example, not standing too close to people whilst talking to them is an implicit rule of society
Someone is abnormal if they break these rules in society
Evaluation of deviation from social norms
- social norms change over time
- culturally biased
- fails to distinguish between deviance and abnormalities
+ more appropriate definition than statistical infrequency
Definition of failure to function adequately
Someone Is abnormal if they are unable to cope with every day life their behaviour is seen to prevent them from being able to work and conduct satisfying relationships
Characteristics of failure to function adequately
DUMI
- distress = behaviour causes stress to themselves and others
- unpredictable behaviour
- maladaptive behaviour = behaviour is dysfunctional
- irrational behaviour = doesn’t make sense to anyone else
Evaluation of failure to function adequately
- doesn’t always indicate psychological abnormality, could be due to external factors
- mental disorders do not always prevent a person from functioning
+ tries to include patients perspective - culturally biased
Definition of deviation from ideal mental health
People who lack this criteria for mental health are deemed as abnormal:
A= autonomy = they should cut ion as independent individuals
R= perception of reality = they should be able to see the world as it is
R= resistance to stress = being able to cope I’m stressful situations
M = mastery of the environment = the ability to adjust to new situations
S = self attitudes = high self esteem
S= self actualisation and personal growth = being focused on the future and fulfilling their potential
Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health
- characteristics are too idealistic
- culturally biased
- requires subjective judgement on how many criteria need to be lacking before we are seen as abnormal
+ offers a positive perspective on mental health, focuses on desirable behaviour
What are the emotional characteristics of phobias
- Anxiety = unpleasant state of high arousal
- Unreasonable emotional response = fear experienced is often disproportionate to the danger
Cognitive characteristics of phobias
- Irrational beliefs = not logical
- Selective attention = difficult to focus attention away from phobic stimulus
Behavioural characteristics of phobias
- Avoidance = go out their way to avoid phobic stimulus to reduce anxiety
- Panicking
Emotional characteristics of depression
- Sad mood
- Anger
Cognitive characteristics of depression
- Negative schema = neg thoughts and expectations about their lives
- Poor concentration
Behavioural characteristics of depression
- Disruption of sleep and eating = insomnia or hypersonia/ big or little appetite
- Activity levels = low or high
Behavioural characteristics of OCD
- Anxiety
- Reduction of anxiety= anxiety reduction due to acting on compulsions
Cognitive characteristics of OCD
- Obsessions = recurring internal thoughts- ideas or doubts
- Irrational beliefs
Behavioural characteristics of OCD
- Compulsive behaviours
- Avoidance
Describe the behavioural 2 process model of phobias
- Acquisition by classical conditioning- phobias are learnt through cc
- Maintained by operant conditioning -
Positive reinforcement ( addition of something positive )
Negative reinforcement (removal of something negative)
Little Albert study
Watson and Rayner
Little albert was a 9 month old baby
Shown a white rat to play with
When he played with the rat they played a loud banging noise which stimulated a fear response
Loud noise = unconditioned stimulus, fear = unconditioned response
Albert learned to associate the rat with the loud noise
Rat = conditioned stimulus, fear = conditioned response
Evaluation of 2 process model
+ scientific , observance and measurable
+ practical applications - systematic desensitisation
- doesn’t provide complete explanation for all behaviours
- reductionist, reduces phobias down to specific variables
Behavioural approached to treating phobias
- Systematic desensitisation = counter conditioning, unlearning a phobia, it is impossible to be two emotions at the same time ( reciprocal inhibition) so the person is presented with their phobia whilst practising deep relaxation techniques
Develop anxiety hierarchy and work through from less afraid to most afraid
Client associates deep relaxation with phobia - Flooding = full exposure to phobic stimulus whilst practicing deep relaxation techniques, quickly learns phobia is harmless ( extinction )
Evaluation of systematic desensitisation
+ extremely effective at treating many phobias
- not effective for treating all phobias
+ beneficial for economy
- ethical issues
+ sufferers prefer it to flooding
Evaluation of flooding
+ effective at treating many phobias
+ cost effective as it’s only one session
- ethical issues
- not effective for all phobias
