M1 Flashcards
What are the assumptions of clinical psychology?
- People are interested in helping others through clinical work or research.
- Individuals have some background in major models of psychology (psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioural, humanistic).
- The psychodynamic perspective is one of the most commonly used, though at UBC, cognitive and behavioural psychology are more common.
- A background in psychopathology (abnormal psychology) is assumed.
How does the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) define clinical psychology?
‘Scientific discipline with various areas of application, relying on empirical knowledge. Contrasts with religious knowledge and apriori knowledge.’
What is required for obtaining a PhD in clinical psychology?
- Writing a master’s thesis and a dissertation.
- Training to conduct research is required.
- Having a PhD means being trained in research.
What does clinical psychology involve?
- Involves the study, assessment, and treatment of human difficulties. Focus on promoting physical, mental, and social well-being.
- It requires both research and clinical training.
How does the American Psychological Association define clinical psychology?
‘Psychological specialty providing mental and behavioral health care, consultation to agencies and communities, training, education, supervision, and research-based practice.’
What are the fundamental beliefs of the European Association of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Treatment (EACLIPT)?
- Clinical psychology is more than just psychotherapy.
- Clinicians are moving across borders, making it easier to practice in different regions.
- The field is expanding into medicine and healthcare.
- Clinical psychologists play both clinical and research roles, and the field will become more relevant in the future.
What are the main clinical activities in clinical psychology?
- Assessments: Understanding the nature of the problem and the individual.
|Diagnosis: Using systems like DSM to classify disorders.
|Formulation: Creating a model of the individual based on symptoms and characteristics. - Treatment: Includes psychotherapy focused on understanding and eliminating the root cause, not just coping with symptoms.
- Consultation: Providing advice to clinicians, organizations, or governments.
What are the main academic activities in clinical psychology?
- Research: Focuses on learning how to conduct research.
- Teaching: Mentoring master’s and PhD students in research.
- Training: Training new clinical psychologists.
What is Nomethetic research?
- Focuses on group-level data, measuring variables in a large sample of people.
- Examines relationships among variables, such as in correlational studies.
- Variable-centered approach.
What is Idiographic research?
- Person-centered research, detailed understanding of individuals.
- Involves case studies and qualitative methods.
- Acquired through clinical work.
What did Dr. Leslie Carr’s TedTalk emphasize about therapy?
- Therapy can benefit individuals even after they stop attending sessions.
- The patient-therapist relationship is key to change.
- Early life experiences influence how individuals see the world and their expectations.
- Social learning theories, such as self-fulfilling prophecies, demonstrate this influence.
- Therapists help individuals explore their role in their life experiences, enabling potential change.
What are the different types of knowledge emphasized by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)?
- Empirical knowledge: Obtained through scientific methods, considered most valued in the scientific world.
- Religious knowledge: Acquired through holy documents.
- Apriori knowledge: Knowledge accumulated over time by ancient thinkers and philosophers.
What are the key components of the clinical psychology training process?
- Training involves both research and clinical components.
- In Europe –> research training first, followed by clinical training.
- In North America –> research training and clinical training are integrated, especially for those pursuing a PhD.
What is the goal of clinical assessment in psychology?
The goal is to understand the nature of the problem and the individual displaying it, with the purpose of informing treatment.
How does psychodynamic perspective differ in practice compared to other psychological models?
- One of the most commonly used in clinical practice.
- At UBC, the psychodynamic perspective is less emphasized compared to cognitive and behavioural psychology, which are more commonly practiced.
How does clinical psychology differ in Europe compared to Canada or the U.S.?
- In Europe, clinical psychology training starts with research training, followed by clinical training.
- In Canada and the U.S., clinical training and research training are integrated for PhD students.
How does the income of private practice clinical psychologists vary?
- Private practitioners may earn between $300,000-$400,000 annually, but the income can vary widely.
- Billing rates range from $50/hour to $200/hour, with some negotiation between the psychologist and client.
- Many private practitioners use a sliding scale for fees based on the client’s ability to pay, making income more flexible.
What is the role of clinical psychologists when working with special populations?
- Special populations = children, the elderly, marginalized groups, or those with unique needs.
- These populations require tailored programs and approaches to meet their specific psychological, emotional, and developmental needs.
What role does psychological assessment play in clinical psychology?
- Assessments are conducted prior to psychotherapy to inform the treatment process.
- Involves detailed interviews, diagnosis, identifying emotional/intellectual damage, and recognizing strengths and assets.
- Critical to ensuring the therapy approach matches the individual’s needs.
What are some factors that contribute to the success of a private practice in clinical psychology?
Roots in the community provide a solid client base and local reputation.
What is the potential income range for private practice clinical psychologists?
Private practice psychologists can earn annual revenues between $300,000 to $400,000 if they work long hours and take few holidays, although it can be riskier than other employment.
What is the difference in work focus between private practice clinical psychologists and academic psychologists?
Private practice psychologists –> assessments and therapy.
Academic psychologists –> research and teaching.
What is the difference between clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and psychiatrists?
Clinical psychologists –> PhD or PsyD, provide healthcare, conduct assessments, and provide therapy. Training takes 6-7 years after a bachelor’s.
Counseling psychologists –> master’s degree and less expertise in formal psychodiagnostics. Less likely to work with severe mental disorders.
Psychiatrists –> Medical doctors (MD) specializing in mental health and prescribing medications, requiring 8-9 years of training.
How did clinical psychology emerge as a distinct field?
After World War II, follows the scientist-practitioner model/Boulder model –> students are trained to apply knowledge and build the knowledge base.
How can individuals access clinical psychologists?
Through:
- Public institutions: hospitals, clinics, mental health centers, correctional institutions, schools, universities.
- Private practice.
What is the role of the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (CRHSPP)?
Identifies psychologists who meet the requirements to provide health services in Canada.
What are the training requirements for clinical psychologists in Canada?
- A Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in psychology are needed.
|Master’s programs usually take 2 years, or 6 years if combined with a PhD. - A PhD or PsyD is often required.
- A full year of pre-doctoral internship is required, followed by supervised practice.
- Provincial regulatory organizations oversee the profession.
What are some programs or services that clinical psychologists may offer?
- Programs for special populations.
- Teaching and research activities.
- Consultation with other professionals in the field.
What are some treatment approaches used in clinical psychology?
Psychotherapy techniques including:
- Behavioral
- Cognitive
- Interpersonal
- Family
- Psychodynamic
Treatment aims to reduce distress, improve coping skills, and promote healthy lifestyles.
What does clinical psychology training involve in terms of assessments?
Clinical psychologists conduct psychological assessments that:
- Involve detailed interviews with individuals and sometimes their significant others.
- Focus on understanding the nature, severity, and causes of the problem.
- Diagnose psychological issues, assess emotional/intellectual damage after stress or injury, and identify strengths and assets.
What is the central aim of psychoanalytic therapy?
To help free people from the bonds of past experience and allow them to live more fully and freely in the present.
What is meant by unconscious mental life in psychoanalytic therapy?
Much thinking and feeling occur outside conscious awareness, influencing our behavior and perceptions.
What is the goal of psychoanalytic therapy in relation to unconscious processes?
The goal is not to uncover repressed memories but to expand freedom of choice by helping individuals become more mindful of their present experiences.
How do psychological difficulties arise according to psychoanalytic theory?
Psychological difficulties emerge when old adaptive solutions to life challenges no longer work or become self-defeating, but are still applied.
What does “the mind in conflict” refer to in psychoanalytic therapy?
It refers to the internal contradictions, ambivalence, and complex feelings and motives people experience, where psychological symptoms may serve multiple purposes.
What are the two cognitive systems described by Daniel Kahneman?
System 1: Fast, automatic, and implicit decision-making.
System 2: Slower, effortful, and conscious decision-making.
How does past experience affect present behavior in psychoanalytic therapy?
We apply learned templates or scripts from past experiences to current situations, often when they no longer apply, influencing our perceptions and reactions.
What is transference in psychoanalytic therapy?
The activation of preexisting templates and relationship patterns in the therapy relationship, with the patient viewing the therapist through the lens of early relationships.
How do defense mechanisms function in psychoanalytic therapy?
They serve to distract attention from unsettling or dissonant experiences, such as through projection, denial, or intellectualization.
What is the role of resistance in psychoanalytic therapy?
Resistance = defensive processes that emerge within the therapy relationship, hindering exploration and inquiry.
What is meant by “psychological causation” in psychoanalytic theory?
Random/meaningless symptoms have psychological meaning and purpose within a context of interconnected thoughts, feelings, and memories.
What is psychic determinism in psychoanalytic therapy?
Thoughts, feelings, behavior, and symptoms are not random but are influenced by prior mental events.
What is the role of affect in psychoanalytic therapy?
Mental associative networks are organized along affective lines, meaning emotional connections help organize thoughts, feelings, and memories.
How do psychoanalytic therapists believe freedom of choice is achieved?
By expanding our understanding of the meanings and causes of our behavior, creating a freer will.
How is psychoanalytic therapy described in relation to the therapist and patient?
Psychoanalytic therapy is a collaborative effort between the therapist and patient, working together to make sense of the patient’s experiences.
What are some specific therapeutic techniques used in psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
Techniques include free association, dream analysis, and interpretation, all aimed at uncovering unconscious thoughts and feelings.
What is countertransference in psychoanalytic therapy?
Countertransference = the therapist’s emotional reactions to the patient, which can provide valuable insight into the therapeutic process but must be managed carefully.
What is the role of the therapist in psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
Acts as a neutral figure, facilitating self-exploration, and helping the patient gain insight into unconscious patterns.
Provide interpretations and guide the therapeutic relationship.
How does psychoanalytic therapy view the role of early childhood experiences?
Early childhood experiences, particularly relationships with caregivers, are seen as foundational in shaping adult behavior and psychological patterns that persist into adulthood.
What are the therapeutic goals of psychoanalytic psychotherapy beyond present freedom?
Gain insight into past experiences, particularly early childhood, to understand how these experiences influence current behavior and relationships.
How is time and duration significant in psychoanalytic therapy?
Psychoanalytic therapy is often long-term, allowing for sustained exploration of unconscious processes, helping the patient gradually gain deeper insight and make lasting changes.
What is psychodynamic therapy and how does it differ from traditional psychoanalytic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy = shorter, more focused approach. Draws on psychoanalytic principles but often emphasizes present-day relationships and conflicts, rather than delving deeply into early childhood experiences.
What are the three major approaches to defining abnormal behavior?
- Statistical/normative approach
- Subjective interpretation (psychological pain)
- Judgments of maladaptive functioning
What is the statistical/normative approach to defining abnormal behavior?
This approach judges behavior based on whether it conforms to societal norms, with deviations from the norm considered abnormal.
What is the subjective interpretation (psychological pain) approach to defining abnormal behavior?
Individuals assess whether their behaviors are normal, maladjusted, or in need of change, often leading them to seek therapy.
What is the judgments of maladaptive functioning approach to defining abnormal behavior?
Experts, such as clinicians, evaluate whether a person’s behavior interferes with their ability to function in life.
What are some examples of problems in living that clinical psychologists may address?
Relationship problems, personal difficulties (e.g., self-esteem), achievement problems (e.g., test anxiety), physical problems (e.g., sleep issues), and distressing processes like grieving.
What is considered a healthy personality according to psychological well-being theories?
A healthy personality involves the ability to meet needs in a way that conforms to societal norms while satisfying one’s conscience.
What are the six dimensions of psychological well-being defined by Sydney Jourard?
- Positive relationships
- Autonomy
- Personal growth
- Self-acceptance
- Purpose in life
- Environmental mastery.
What are the seven characteristics of healthy personalities according to the PDM?
- Accurate self and other perceptions
- Intimate relationships
- Full emotional experience
- Adaptive emotion regulation
- Morally consistent functioning
- Realistic understanding of life
- Resourceful stress response.
What is the concept of ‘sign’ in psychological problems?
Sign = abnormality observed by a clinician but not necessarily perceived by the patient, like neologisms in schizophrenia.
What is the concept of ‘symptom’ in psychological problems?
Symptom = abnormality/complaint perceived by the patient, such as distress over anxiety or depression.
What is a ‘syndrome’ in psychological terms?
Syndrome = group of signs and/or symptoms that co-occur, reflecting a specific health-related condition.
What are some processes that contribute to psychopathology?
- Emotional regulation
- Thoughts/cognitions
- Perceptions
- Interpersonal processes
- Coping behaviors
- Development
- Environment
What is emotional regulation in the context of psychopathology?
Emotional regulation = ability to control the experience and expression of emotions. Difficulty in regulation is often associated with psychopathology.
What role do perceptions play in psychopathology?
Perceptual difficulties, like hallucinations or distorted views of the world, are key indicators of psychological disorders.
How do interpersonal processes relate to psychopathology?
Dysfunctional relationship patterns, self-esteem issues, and negative relationship schemas contribute to various psychological problems.
How does coping behavior relate to psychopathology?
Maladaptive or ineffective coping strategies can exacerbate psychological issues, with individuals relying on a limited set of coping mechanisms.
What is the role of the environment in psychopathology?
Environmental factors can contribute to the development and maintenance of psychological difficulties. Treatment may focus on altering the environment.
What is the focus of Emil Kraepelin’s classification system for psychopathology?
Kraepelin’s system emphasized observable behaviors and symptoms, focusing on descriptive classification for diagnosis.
What is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)?
The ICD is a diagnostic tool developed by WHO, used internationally to classify diseases and mental health disorders based on symptoms.
What are the five axes of the DSM for making a diagnosis?
- Clinical disorders
- Personality disorders
- General medical conditions
- Psychosocial and environmental problems
- Global assessment of functioning.
How does the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM) differ from the DSM?
The PDM focuses on the whole person, integrating deeper personality functioning, emotional regulation, and relationships, complementing the DSM’s symptom-based approach.
What are the four axes used in the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnostics System (OPD)?
- Illness experience and treatment assumptions
- Interpersonal relationships
- Mental conflicts
- Structure (degree of psychological integration).
What is the goal of diagnostic classification systems like the ICD, DSM, and PDM?
These systems aim to provide accurate, reliable diagnoses, facilitate communication, support research, guide treatment, and offer epidemiological data for psychological conditions.
What role do cultural differences play in defining psychopathology?
Cultural differences can significantly affect how behaviors are perceived as normal or abnormal. What is considered pathological in one culture might be viewed as acceptable or even valued in another. Thus, it is crucial to consider cultural context when diagnosing psychological disorders.
What are the emerging frameworks in psychopathology diagnosis beyond DSM and ICD?
Dimensional = spectrum rather than as distinct categories.
Integration of neuroscience is reshaping understanding, as brain structure and function are increasingly linked to mental health conditions.
How can diagnostic labels impact individuals beyond clinical contexts?
Stigma –> negatively affect an individual’s self-esteem, social relationships, and access to treatment.
This has led to discussions on whether psychiatric diagnoses should focus more on symptom patterns rather than labels that can lead to social exclusion.
What is comorbidity in psychopathology?
Comorbidity = occurrence of multiple psychological disorders in a single individual.
Complicates diagnosis and treatment, symptoms of one disorder can overlap or exacerbate another, making it challenging to provide targeted interventions.
How do early life experiences influence the development of psychopathology?
- Emotional regulation
- Attachment styles
- Coping mechanisms
Contributing to later psychological disorders.
What role does interdisciplinary collaboration play in diagnosing and treating psychopathology?
Interdisciplinary collaboration (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and neuroscientists) is increasingly important in diagnosing and treating psychopathology. Holistic approach, ensures that all aspects of a patient’s condition—biological, psychological, and social—are considered in treatment planning.
How is technology changing the field of psychopathology diagnosis?
Technology, particularly AI and machine learning, is playing an expanding role in psychopathology diagnosis. These tools help in analyzing large datasets, identifying patterns, and potentially providing more accurate and early diagnoses, offering new insights into clinical practice.
How does the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM) differ from the DSM?
PDM –> taxonomy of people rather than diseases. Focuses on:
* personality structure
* mental functioning
* subjective symptom experience.
DSM –> compendium of mental disorders, categorizes conditions based on symptom criteria without addressing treatment or underlying personality structure.
3 primary axes of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM)
- P-axis: Assesses personality functioning at different levels (healthy, neurotic, borderline) and includes various personality types.
- M-axis: Evaluates overall psychological functioning across nine dimensions.
- S-axis: Examines symptom patterns, structured similarly to the DSM but with fewer conditions per category.
Main changes introduced in the PDM-2
- A psychotic level was added to the P-axis for personality assessment.
- The M-axis expanded from 9 to 12 dimensions, incorporating aspects like mentalization, impulse control, and meaning in life.
- The S-axis was integrated more closely with the DSM and ICD, including genetic and environmental contributors.
- A separate section was created for adolescents, distinct from children.
How does the PDM-2 define “introjective” and “anaclitic” personality issues?
Introjective issues: Problems related to defining one’s identity.
Anaclitic issues: Difficulties in developing stable and mutual object relations (i.e., interpersonal connections).
What is the main goal of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM)?
Complement the DSM and ICD by providing a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s psychological functioning, including personality structure, emotional regulation, and subjective symptom experience.
What key concerns were addressed in the PDM-2?
- Improving reliability and validity of diagnoses.
- Enhancing clinical utility with more empirical grounding.
- Expanding assessment tools to include scales like the SWAP-200 and defense mechanism rating scale.
- Integrating executive functioning into evaluations.
How does the DSM-5 categorize mental disorders?
The DSM-5 categorizes mental disorders into 22 diagnostic groups. It uses a categorical approach, individuals either meet the criteria for a disorder or they do not. However, it also includes dimensional assessments for symptom severity and cross-cutting measures to evaluate symptoms across multiple disorders.
Criticisms of the DSM-5
- Expansion of diagnostic categories, potentially leading to overdiagnosis and stigmatization.
- Lack of transparency in the revision process.
- Does not include information on treatment options.
- Some argue it prioritizes reliability (consistency of diagnosis) over validity (accurate classification of disorders).
How does the DSM-5 address cultural and diversity issues?
- Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI): A 16-question guide for assessing cultural influences on mental health.
- Outline for Cultural Formulation: A framework for understanding an individual’s mental health within their cultural context, including factors like identity, distress conceptualization, and clinician-client interactions.
What are homotypic and heterotypic continuity in child and adolescent psychopathology?
- Homotypic continuity: A disorder remains relatively stable across development (e.g., bipolar disorder persisting into adulthood).
- Heterotypic continuity: Symptoms change form over time but remain connected (e.g., childhood anxiety leading to adult depression).
What is the foundation of ethical decision-making in clinical psychology?
Derives from principles of religion and philosophy, focusing on respect and dignity toward others.
What is the continuum of moral professional behavior?
Ranges from criminal behavior (punishable by law) –> to selfless giving for others’ benefit, with ethical decision-making challenges occurring in the middle ground.
What does “aspirational” mean in ethical decision-making?
It refers to a long-term goal psychologists strive for, even if it is not fully attainable.
What are key skills psychologists must acquire to prevent ethical problems?
- Good record-keeping
- Clear contracts
- Maximizing confidentiality
- Considering the consequences of their actions
Why do ethical difficulties arise in clinical psychology?
Because two or more good moral principles may come into conflict.
What is the first solution when faced with an ethical dilemma?
Minimize the number of people involved and the potential damage from rash decision-making.
Can meaningful conjoint marital therapy occur if one partner withholds information?
No, because:
- The partners are not equally willing to repair the relationship.
- The therapist may accidentally reveal confidential information.
What are the three most frequent complaints against psychologists?
- Inappropriate assessment procedures
- Lack of professional competence
- Client relationship issues (e.g., confidentiality and boundary violations)
Why is the area of practice a predictor for ethical complaints?
- Assessments impact people’s lives significantly.
- Boundary violations occur when clients are vulnerable.
- Lack of competence is difficult to quantify but can harm patients.
- Confidentiality violations are irreversible.
What is the mandatory reporting requirement for clinical psychologists?
They must report suspected neglect and physical/sexual abuse of children, even if it violates client confidentiality.
What are some legislated limitations on confidentiality?
- A judge can order psychologists to release case files.
- Psychologists must ask clients about ongoing legal cases before therapy begins.
- Reporting is required if a client is driving while impaired due to a brain injury or senility.
What is the Tarasoff decision (1974)?
Therapists have a duty to warn potential victims if a patient poses a foreseeable danger.
What are the 5 key ethical principles in the APA Code of Ethics?
- Beneficence & Nonmaleficence – Do no harm, safeguard welfare.
- Fidelity & Responsibility – Be responsible to society, uphold professional conduct.
- Integrity – Promote honesty and accuracy.
- Justice – Ensure fairness and avoid bias.
- Respect for Rights & Dignity – Protect privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination.
What are the 10 ethical standards in the APA Code of Ethics?
- Resolving ethical issues
- Competence
- Human relations
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Advertising and public statements
- Record-keeping and fees
- Education and training
- Research and publication
- Assessment
- Therapy
What are key ethical practice guidelines for custody and access assessments?
- Psychologists must work within their competence.
- They must obtain informed consent.
- They cannot solicit testimonials.
- They cannot withhold records needed for emergency treatment due to nonpayment.
What is unique about the Canadian Code of Ethics?
- Based on an analysis of other codes.
- Includes feedback from practicing psychologists.
- Organizes principles into four major ethical principles with differential weights.
- Balances minimal standards with aspirational ideals.
- Requires regular review and revision.
What are the 10 steps to ethical decision-making?
- Identify affected individuals/groups.
- Clarify ethical principles involved.
- Consider personal biases or conflicts.
- Outline multiple plans of action.
- Weigh risks/benefits of each action.
- Choose the best ethical option.
- Act and take responsibility.
- Evaluate if the action was constructive.
- Accept responsibility for any consequences.
- Review to prevent future issues.
CPA 4 ethical principles
- Respect for the dignity of persons and peoples
–Non-discrimination, informed consent, confidentiality, privacy - Responsible caring
– Competence, self-care, maximize benefit and minimize harm - Integrity of relationships
– Accuracy, honesty, avoidance of conflicts of interests or deception - Responsibility to society
- Development of knowledge, respect for society
