lecture 11: Psychological challenges

Question 1

Deviance and Historical Perspectives in Psychology

Answer 1

1. Personal Stress and Dysfunction
2. Violation of Norms
3. Cultural Relativity
4. Symptoms and Presentation
5. Harm to Self and Others

Question 2

Personal Stress and Dysfunction

Answer 2

○ Personal stress and dysfunction, hindering one’s ability to carry out daily tasks, may indicate the need for intervention.
○ Inability to work, take care of oneself, or attend to others in one’s care suggests a potential problem.

Question 3

Violation of Norms

Answer 3

○ Behavior violating socially accepted norms alone may not be sufficient to label it a psychological disorder.
○ Psychological evaluation considers the impact on personal functioning and distress levels in addition to societal norms.

Question 4

Cultural Relativity

Answer 4

○ Cultural context plays a crucial role in interpreting behavior.
○ Behaviors deemed abnormal in one context might be accepted or even praised in another.

Question 5

Symptoms and Presentation

Answer 5

○ Different symptoms, whether psychological or physiological, can indicate the presence of psychological conditions.
○ The nature of symptoms influences the decision to intervene.

Question 6

Harm to Self and Others

Answer 6

○ Intervention is often warranted if individuals pose a risk of harm to themselves or others.
○ Severe harm, whether self-inflicted or affecting others, is a significant factor in determining the need for action.

Question 6

Historical Perspective on Normalcy

Answer 6

○ Definitions of normal and abnormal have evolved over time.
○ Those in power historically dictated societal norms, often based on characteristics like race, gender, and wealth.

Question 7

Case of Hysteria

Answer 7

○ Hysteria, considered a psychological condition in the past, particularly affected women.
○ The belief that the uterus could wander, leading to treatments such as manual massage and even the invention of the vibrator.

Question 7

Evolution of Psychological Understanding

Answer 7

○ Advancements in psychological research and standardized practices have improved the accuracy of diagnoses.
○ Historical practices, like treating hysteria, demonstrate the significant gaps in early psychological understanding.

Question 8

Worldview and Spiritual Beliefs

Answer 8

○ Historical perspectives heavily relied on the prevalent worldview and spiritual beliefs.
○ Abnormal behavior often attributed to possession or punishment by spiritual forces.

Question 8

Challenges in Early Psychological Practices

Answer 8

○ Limited knowledge of psychological disorders led to trial and error approaches.
○ Early practitioners had diverse and sometimes bizarre theories due to a lack of standardized methods.

Question 8

Brain Swelling and Demon Expulsion

Answer 8

○ Instances of brain swelling were interpreted as possession by evil spirits.
○ Remedies included creating holes in the skull to release the spirit, relieving pressure, and providing relief.

Question 9

Cultural and Gender Biases

Answer 9

○ Cultural biases and gender stereotypes influenced early perceptions of psychological disorders.
○ The field has progressed, challenging biases and working towards a more comprehensive understanding

Question 9

Psychological Theories and Treatments

Answer 9

1. Worldview and Spiritual Beliefs
2. Brain Swelling and Demon Expulsion
3. Ancient Greek Humoral Theory
4. Galen’s Contributions
5. Introduction of Psychological Asylums
6. Treatment of a Prince’s Delusion
7. Transition during the Renaissance
8. Concept of Lunacy and Moon’s Influence
9. Medical Model Emergence
10. Humanitarian Perspective

Question 10

Ancient Greek Humoral Theory

Answer 10

○ Originating in ancient Greece, humoral theory linked bodily fluids to elemental properties.
○ Bloodletting and other treatments aimed to restore balance in bodily fluids to alleviate disorders.

Question 11

Galen’s Contributions

Answer 11

○ Galen, an ancient Roman physician, contributed to the understanding of physical and psychological aspects.
○ Bloodletting and vomiting were common treatments based on the imbalance of bodily fluids

Question 12

Introduction of Psychological Asylums

Answer 12

○ Ibn Sina, an Arab physician and polymath, introduced psychological approaches in the Arab world.
○ The term “asylum” originated from an Arabic word, reflecting the concept of sanctuary or refuge.

Question 13

Treatment of a Prince’s Delusion

Answer 13

○ Ibn Sina addressed a prince who believed he was a cow.
○ Through a creative intervention, Ibn Sina guided the prince to nourish his “cow” form, providing a historical example of psychological treatment.

Question 13

Transition during the Renaissance

Answer 13

○ The Renaissance marked a shift from spiritual explanations to a focus on the “breath of life.”
○ Rejecting the notion of possession, this era began exploring psychological influences on behavior.

Question 13

Medical Model Emergence

Answer 13

○ Over time, a more systematic medical model evolved.
○ This shift allowed individuals with psychological conditions to regain a sense of human dignity, moving away from the notion of possession and deserved fate.

Question 14

Concept of Lunacy and Moon’s Influence

Answer 14

○ The term “lunacy” derived from the belief that the moon’s light influenced behavior.
○ People behaving irrationally were thought to be under the moon’s influence, contributing to the term “lunatic.”

Question 14

Humanitarian Perspective

Answer 14

○ The medical model facilitated a more compassionate approach to individuals with psychological disorders.
○ It reduced stigmatization, acknowledging that mental health issues were not a result of divine punishment.