Chapter One: Abnormal Behavior and History- exam 1 Flashcards
Define abnormal psychology
also known as psychopathology, it focuses on behaviors that are atypical or unexpected.
Define psychology
The study of thought processes behind serious emotional problems
when is behavior considered abnormal
4 D’s of abnormality
dysfunction
distress
deviance
dangerousness
Define Culture
a system of knowledge, concepts, rules, and practices. It is learned and transmitted across generations; open, dynamic, and changeable; helps you create your own identity and make sense of experience; present day individuals are exposed to multiple cultures
it includes: language, family structure and life cycle stages, customs, moral and legal systems
what is culture bound disorder
the culture may specify: the disorder, the presumed cause of the disorder, and treatment
the culture may provide: particular stressors that may precipitate and episode, or supports that provide resilience
what is cultural relativsm
the belief that behaviors can only be laeled normal or abnormal relative to the cultural norms
positive: cultural norms paly a big part in determining abnormal v normal, which respects different cultures
negative: dangers arise when norms are used to control or silence individuals or violate basic moral principles
What is Koro
episode of sudden and intense anxiety that genitalia will shrink and retract into the body; possibly resulting in death.
Frequent in China and Chinese speaking countries and peoples (Asia)
related to Shen-k’uei of dhat - loss of vital life force connected to loss of semen
frequently comorbid with other disorders (depression, anxiety, somatic symptom disorder, PTSD)
What is shen k’uei of dhat
‘semen loss syndrome’ loss of vital life force connected to loss of semen.
Ancient chinese medicine believed semen production was located near kdineys; therefore, semen could be lost through urination or excessive intercourse
what is kayak angst
In Eskimo tribes (esp. Inuit) or Greenlanders, intense fear felt by a person alone in kayak.
decreased level of consciosness, confusion, dizziness and ‘perceptual distortions’
many doubt their boating abilities during the episode and fear drowning
what is Taijin kyofusho
“interpersonal fear disorder”
Japenese culture bound social phobia. Belief that one’s appearance & actions are offensive to others. Fear of displeasing others with bodily functions or appearance.
What is unusual about the Toraja tribe of Indonesia
Dressing of the Dead
keep bodies of dead in their home. As long as they are home, they are just sick, not dead. Shows love and respect for ancestors.
After a funeral, every few years, may remove body from coffin, clean and rederess.
differences between the supernatural model, biological model, and psychosocial model
Supernatural model: Causes - divine intervention, demonic possession, curses, personal sin. Treatment- exorcisom; religious rituals, sacrifices. Confession; atonement: apologize for sina
Biological model: Causes- a disease process; breakdown of bodily systems (neurotransmitters, neurons, connectivity, tumors). Treatments- restore body functions, drugs, surgery
Pyscholosocial model: Causes- beliefs, coping styles. Life events (trauma, chronic stress, bereavement). Treatment- change of environment, cognitive restructuring
define the ancient view of demenology
Mental illness was a result of being possessed by an evil spirit or punishment from God. The treatment was by priest or shaman (exorcism or sacrifice)
define ancient view of displeasure of the gods
most average Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Romans though abnormal affliction was an affliction from the gods. Those afflicted retreasted to temples honoring the god Aesculapius, where priests held healing ceremonies
ancient view: exorcism/sacrifice
typical treatment for abnormality – driving the spirits away from the body of the suffering person. Goal was to make body an uncomfortable place for the spirits to reside. Sometimes the person throught to be possessed by evil spirits would simply be killed
what was trephaning
drilling holes in the skull of a person displaying abnormal behavior to allow the spirits to depart.
what did plato believe
insanity arose when the rational mind was overcome by impulse, passion, or appetite. Sanity could be regained through a disscussion withthe individual that was designed to restore rational control over emotions
rooted in nature/genetics/inherited
what did aristotle believe
scholar/philosopher
student of plato
studied life by observing it (like skinner, thorndike, and the other behaviorists)
rooted in nurture/ environment or experience
what organ did hippocrates believe cause mental disorders
Something wrong with the body disturbs thought and action. Mental illness was due to organ malfunction - the organ of the brain. (phrenitis: brain fever)
what were the four greek humors
blood
phlegm
black bile
yellow bile
middle ages: what point of view of returns
Supernatural belief (witchcraft)
what groups addressed mental disorders besides physcians
Religious/ spiritual groups
Demenology in the middle ages
witchcraft and satanism
define witchcraft in the middle ages
historians believe people accused of witchcraft must have been mentally ill. People would confess to talking with the devil, flying on the backs of animals, and engaging in false behaviors as well as delusions and other hallucinations