Chapter 1: Abnormal Psychology

Question 1

What is a mental disorder

Answer 1

mental disorder psychological 
symptoms or behavioral patterns that 
reflect an underlying psychobiological 
dysfunction, are associated with 
distress or disability, and are not 
merely an expectable response 
to common stressors or losses

Question 2

Define mental illness

Answer 2

mental illness a mental health 
condition that negatively affects 
a person’s emotions, thinking, 
behavior, relationships with 
others, or overall functioning

Question 3

Define abnormal psychology

Answer 3

abnormal psychology the 
scientific study whose objectives 
are to describe, explain, predict, 
and modify behaviors associated 
with mental disorders

Question 4

Define psychopathology

Answer 4

psychopathology the study
of the symptoms, causes, and
treatments of mental disorders

Question 5

What are the components used to classify mental disorders

Answer 5

(a) involves a significant disturbance in thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior
caused by a dysfunction in the basic psychological, biological, or developmental
processes involved in normal development;

(b) causes significant distress or difficulty with day-to-day functioning.

(c) is not merely a culturally expected response to common
stressors or losses or a reflection of political or religious
beliefs that conflict with societal norms.

Question 6

What four major factors involve judging psychopathology

Answer 6

• distress,
• deviance,
• dysfunction, and
• dangerousness.

Question 7

Expand on distress

Answer 7

In the social sphere, an individual may become
withdrawn and avoid interactions with others or, at the other
extreme, may engage in inappropriate or dangerous social interactions.

In the emotional realm, distress might involve extreme
or prolonged reactions such as anxiety and depression.

Distress also surfaces physically in conditions such as asthma or hypertension or with symptoms of fatigue, pain, or heart palpitations. Of course, we all have social, emotional, and physical ups and downs

Question 8

Discuss what is deviance

Answer 8

Occurs when one strays from what is considered normal and can manifest in ways such as:

However, certain behaviors are considered abnormal in most situations. These
behaviors include refusal to leave your house; depression so severe that you sleep
most of the day; starving yourself because you are so fearful of gaining weight; experiencing frequent nightmares involving a trauma you experienced; forgetting your
own identity; feeling overwhelmed with fear at the sight of a spider; avoiding contact
with objects such as doorknobs because of the fear of germs; believing that others
can “hear” your thoughts; seeing aliens inside your home; collecting so many items
that your health and safety are jeopardized; or intentionally making your own child
sick with the purpose of receiving attention. Even taking varying cultural norms into
account, these situations (which will be discussed throughout the book) would be
seen as abnormal.

Question 9

Explore personal disfunction

Answer 9

role dysfunction is often considered when
determining if someone has a mental disorder. One way to assess dysfunction is to
compare someone’s performance with the requirements of a role. An employee who
suddenly cannot fulfill job demands may be experiencing emotional difficulties.
Dysfunction can also be assessed by comparing an individual’s performance with his
or her potential. For example, a sudden drop in academic performance may signal that
a college student is experiencing effects from substance abuse or from anxiety, depression, or other common mental disorders

Question 10

What is meant by dangerousness

Answer 10

The extent to which a person is likely to harm others or themselves.

Question 11

Define culture

Answer 11

the configuration of shared 
values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors 
that is transmitted from one generation 
to another by members of a particular 
group and symbolized by artifacts, 
roles, expectations, and institution

Question 12

What is cultural relativism

Answer 12

the belief
that lifestyles, cultural values, and
worldviews affect the expression
and definition of mental disorders

Question 13

What is culture universality

Answer 13

the 
assumption that a fixed set of 
mental disorders exists whose 
manifestations and symptoms 
are similar across cultures

Question 14

What argue does Szasz pose about abnormal behavior

Answer 14

that
abnormal behavior is so labeled by society because it is different, not necessarily
because it reflects illness;

(b) that unusual belief systems are not necessarily wrong;
and

(c) that abnormal behavior is frequently a reflection of something wrong with
society rather than with the individual.

Question 15

Define stereotype

Answer 15

stereotype is an oversimplified,
often inaccurate, image or idea
about a group of people

Question 16

Define social stigma

Answer 16

social stigma negative 
societal beliefs about a group, 
including the view that the 
group is somehow different from 
other members of society

Question 17

Define prejudice

Answer 17

prejudice an unfair, preconceived
judgment about a person or group
based on their supposed characteristics

Question 18

Define discrimination

Answer 18

discrimination unjust or prejudicial
treatment toward a person based
on the person’s actual or perceived
membership in a certain group

Question 19

Define self stigma

Answer 19

self-stigma acceptance of
prejudice and discrimination
based on internalized negative
societal beliefs or stereotypes

Question 20

Define self efficacy

Answer 20

self-efficacy belief in one’s ability

to succeed in a specific situation.

Question 21

Define biological vulnerability

Answer 21

biological vulnerability genetic

or physiological susceptibilit

Question 22

Define hysteria

Answer 22

A term referring to excessive or uncontrollable emotion sometimes resulting in somatic symptoms that have no apparent cause

Question 23

What is humanism

Answer 23

A philosophical movement that emphasis human welfare and the worth of uniqueness of individual.

Question 24

What is spirituality

Answer 24

Refers to the process of finding meaning purpose and connection to a higher power or something larger within the universe

Question 25

Define religion

Answer 25

Involves a specific doctrine and system if belief.

Question 26

What is positive psychology

Answer 26

Philosophical and scientific study of the positive human functioning and the strengths and assets of individuals families and communities

Question 27

What are the domains of positive psychology

Answer 27

Interest in feeling of well being contentment and satisfaction in the past hope and optimism for future.

At individual level research concentrate on positive traits like resilience capacity for love courage..

At group level positive psychology addresses civic virtues and institution that move us towards better responsibility.

Question 28

What is psychological resistance

Answer 28

The capacity to effectively adapt to and bounce back from stress trauma and adversity

Question 29

What is meant by recovery movement

Answer 29

Philosophy that with appropriate treatment and support those with mental illness can improve and live satisfying lives.

Question 30

What assumption are the basis for the recovery model

Answer 30

Recovery or improvements in functioning is possible and begins when a person realizes positive change is possible

Recovery isn’t a continual movement forward occasional setbacks can occur and seen as opportunities for learning

Healing involves seperation from ones identity and illness developing the ability to cope with problems

Self acceptance and regaining belief in the self.

Recovery involves learning about ones. Own capabilities talents

Self direction allows one to learn to control and exercise choice

Empowerment of individual

Establishing or strengthening connection

Taking responsibility for ones self care

Understanding barriers can be overcome.

Question 31

What is the biological viewpoint for abnormal behavior

Answer 31

The belief that mental disorders have a physical or psychological basis.

Question 32

State the proposed psychological viewpoint on development of mental disorders

Answer 32

The belief that mental disorders are caused by psychological and emotional factors

Question 33

What is multicultural psychology

Answer 33

A brand of psychology that focuses on culture race ethnicity gender age socio-economic class and similar factors in effort to understand behavior

Question 34

What are psychotropic medications

Answer 34

Drugs used to treat or manage psychiatric symptoms by influencing brain activity associated with emotions and behavior.