Ch 12 Flashcards
Abnormality as deviation from the average
We simply observe what behaviours are rare or infrequent in a given society or culture and label these deviations from the norm “abnormal”
insufficient
Abnormality as deviation from the ideal
Considering behaviour abnormal if it deviates enough from some form of ideal or cultural standard
inadequate
Abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort
Concentrates on the psychological consequences of the behavior for the
individual
Abnormality as the inability to function effectively:
Most people are able to feed themselves, hold a job, get along with
others, and in general live as productive members of society
Abnormality as a legal concept:
To the judicial system, the
distinction between normal and abnormal behaviour rests on the
definition of **“insanity” **which is a legal, but not a psychological,
term.
Medical perspective
(1st on psychological disorders)
when an individual displays symptoms of abnormal behaviour, the root cause will be found in a physical examination of the
individual.
Which may reveal a hormonal imbalance, a chemical deficiency, or a brain injury.
Psychoanalytic perspective
(2nd on psychological disorders)
abnormal behaviour stems from childhood conflicts over opposing wishes regarding sex and aggression.
Behavioural perspective
(3rd on psychological disorders)
looks at the behaviour itself as the problem.
Says that both normal and abnormal behaviours as responses to various stimuli, that have been learned through past experience and that are guided in the present by stimuli in the individual’s environment.
Defining Abnormality
psychologists typically define abnormal behaviour broadly, considering it to be behaviour that causes people to experience
distress and prevents them from functioning in their daily lives.
It’s best to view abnormal behaviour and normal behaviour as marking
two ends of a continuum rather than as absolute states.
6 major perspectives
used to understand psychological disorders.
Critics of Medical Perspective
cite that there are many forms of abnormal behaviour for which no biological cause has been identified.
Critis of Psychoanalytic Perspective
no conclusive way of linking people’s childhood
experiences with the abnormal behaviours they display as adults.
We can never be sure that the causes suggested by psychoanalytic theory are
accurate.
Critics of Behavioural Perspective
state that this perspective ignores the rich inner world of thoughts, attitudes, and emotions that may contribute to abnormal behaviour.
Cognitive perspective
(4th on psychological disorders)
people’s thoughts and beliefs are a central component of abnormal behaviour.
Cognitive Perspective
States that there are circumstances in which negative beliefs may not be irrational at all, but simply reflect the unpleasant environments in
which people live.
Treatment of Cognitive Perspective
is to teach new, more adaptive ways of thinking.
Critics of Cognitive Perspective
cite that it is possible that maladaptive cognitions are the symptoms or consequences of disorders, rather than their cause.
Humanistic perspective
(5th on psychological disorders)
People must have responsibility for their own behaviour, even when such behaviour
is abnormal.
Humanistic perspective views people
as having an awareness of life and of themselves that leads them to search for meaning and self-worth, rather than if individuals require a “cure,”
Therefore, if they are not hurting others and do not feel personal distress, people should be
free to choose the behaviours in which they engage.
Critics of Humanistic perspective
this perpective is unscientific, based on unverifiable informaiton, and is more philosophical
Sociocultural perspective
(6th on psychological disorders)
people’s behaviour—both normal and abnormal—is shaped by the kind of
family group, society, and culture in which they live.
According to Sociocultural
the nature of one’s relationships with others may support abnormal behaviours and even cause them
And the kinds of stresses and conflicts people experience in their daily interactions with others can either promote or maintain abnormal behaviour
Critics of Sociocultural
provides little specific guidance for the
treatment of individuals showing mental disturbance, because the focus is on broader
societal factors.
Medical
Assumes that physiological causes are at the root of psychological disorders
Treatment using Medical
Examine client for medical problems,
such as brain tumour, chemical
imbalance in the brain, or repetitive
brain injury
Psychoanalytic
Argues that psychological disorders stem from childhood conflicts
Treatment using Psychoanalytic
Seek out information about client’s past,
considering possible childhood trauma
Behavioural
Assumes that abnormal behaviours are learned
responses
Treatment using Behavioural
Identify environmental stimuli that
reinforce client’s behaviour; teach new
skills to help him overcome his anxiety
Cognitive
Assumes that cognitions (people’s thoughts and
beliefs) are central to psychological disorders
Treatment using Cognitive
Focus on client’s perceptions of self and thoughts about his environment
Humanistic
Emphasizes people’s responsibility for their own
behaviour and the need to self-actualize
Treatment of Humanistic
Consider client’s behaviour in terms of
his choices and efforts to reach his
potential
Sociocultural
Assumes that behaviour is shaped by family, society, and culture
Treatment using Sociocultural
Focus on how societal demands
contributed to client’s disorder
Indigenous view mental health
as a multi-factored issue.
The Multi-Factored Model of Mental Health
conceptualizes physical, mental, emotional,
and spiritual health as being essential in integration for psychological well-being.
Spirituality
has traditionally been a key aspect of recovery in psychological healing practices among the First Nations
Many psychologists have noted the link between spirituality and psychological health.
