Lecture 1 Flashcards
Ancient Greece
Plato and Aristotle discussed abnormal behaviour in philosophical terms, proposing the concept of mental imbalance
Medieval Times
Abnormal behaviour was often attributed to demonic possession, witchcraft, or astrological influences leading to persecution and institutionalization
18-19th Century
The Moral Therapy movement advocated for humane treatment of the mentally ill, leading to the establishment of asylums and the beginnings of psychiatric care
19-20th Century
The biological model emerged, linking abnormal behaviour to physical and neurological factors, paving the way for the development of psychiatric medications
The Supernatural Model P.1
Demons: Malevolent spiritual entities believed to possess and influence the human psyche and soul
Divinities: Powerful supernatural deities or gods believed to influence the human experience
Spirits: Immaterial entities, often associated with the deceased, thought to interact with and impact the living
The Supernatural Model P.2
Witches: Individuals believed to possess magical powers and influence the world through supernatural means
Astrological Bodies/Magnetic Fields: Celestial objects and unseen energetic forces believed to exert metaphysical influence on the human psyche and soul
The Biological Tradition: Hippocrates & Four Humours
Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, proposed the theory of four humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile) that determine a person’s temperament and health. An inbalance in these humours was believed to cause mental and physical disorders
The Biological Tradition: Pharmaceuticals
The use of drugs and medications to treat mental disorders has been a significant development in the biological tradition. Psychopharmaceuticals, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, have become a common approach to managing various mental health conditions.
The Biological Tradition: Mass Hysteria
Mass hysteria refers to the rapid spread of emotional contagion within a group, leading to irrational, collective behaviour. This phenomenon was observed in historical events such as witch trials and other episodes of mass delusion
The Psychological Tradition
Plato & Aristotle
Moral Therapy
Reform Movement
Abnormal Behaviour: Statistical Deviation
Abnormal behaviour is statistically unusual or rare, deviating from the normal distribution in a population. Considers behaviours that are statistically infrequent from the majority as potentially abnormal
Abnormal behaviour: Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
This view defines abnormal behaviour as a deviation from an idealized, healthy state of mind and well-being. Considers behaviours that impair an individual’s ability to function effectively or cause significant distress as abnormal, even if they are statistically common
Abnormal behaviour: Multicultural perspective
Recognize that definitions of abnormal behaviour can vary across cultures, sociopolitical contexts and individual values. What is considered abnormal in one cultural setting may be normal or even desirable in another, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity in understanding and assessing abnormal behaviour.
Psychological Disorder Definition
A condition characterized by psychological dysfunction, personal distress and impairment in daily life. It is often atypical or not culturally expected behaviour
Importance of the Scientific Approach
Known as psychopathology, is crucial for understanding the causes, treatment and outcomes of these conditions. It involves the use of the scientific method to investigate and understand abnormal behaviour
Integrative Approach
Modern psychopathology takes an integrative approach, recognizing the reciprocal relations between biological, psychological, social and experiential factors in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders
Explosion of Knowledge
The 21st century has seen an explosion of knowledge of psychopathology, with advancements in fields such as cognitive science and neuroscience providing valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of psychological disorders.
