Psychopathology Flashcards
statistical infrequency
statistical infrequency: defining what is most common or normal using typical values, so we also have an idea of what is not common. example is high IQ.
AO3:
some abnormal behaviours are desirable such as high IQ.
using s.i. means we are unable to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours.
cut-off point is subjective when deciding where to separate normal from abnormal. some may think abnormal sleep is 6 hours and some may think it is 5.
deviation from social norms
deviation from social norms: norms created by a group of what is socially acceptable behaviour. anyone who behaves differently is considered abnormal. homosexuality was based on social deviation and considered a mental illness.
AO3:
distinguishes between desirable and undesirable. provides a way to notice undesirable and damaging behaviours so that the person can receive help.
context needs to be considered. wearing almost nothing on a beach is considered normal but in a school it would be abnormal or even a mental disorder. social deviance on its own is not a complete explananation.
failure to function adequately
not being able to cope with everyday living and causing distress to themselves or others.
eating regularly, washing clothes, going to work, communicating.
using DSM abnormality is given a quantitative measure out of 180.
AO3:
it is subjective - the ‘abnormal’ person may be content with their situation or unaware, it is only others that judge them as abnormal. judgement depends on who is making the decision.
failure to distinguish between functional and dysfunctional behaviours - depression may lead to paying more attention - it is rewarding and functional.
deviation from ideal mental health (Marie Jahoda)
the absence of the following criteria shows abnormality and mental disorder. self-attitudes (high self esteem) self-actualisation (personal growth) integration (dealing with stress) autonomy (independent) accurate perception of reality mastery of the environment
AO3:
unrealistic as most people lack something and how many need to be lacking to be considered abnormal.
it is difficult to measure capacity for personal growth.
not usable.
self-actualisation is relevant to individualistic cultures but not collectivist, where they put the needs of the group above their own.
usefulness is limited to certain cultures.
the behavioural approach to explaining phobias
two process model:
classical conditioning initiates the phobia.
Little Albert:
UCS = loud noise, UCR = fear and NS = furry object
pairing loud noise with furry object lead to fear response (CR). the furry object is now a CS.
operant conditioning maintains the phobia.
the avoidance of the phobic stimulus reduces fear and is reinforcing. this is negative reinforcement.
how else can phobias be aquired
through modelling (social learning)
children seeing a parent respond to spider with fear, and gaining attention which seems awarding.
so the child acquires this behaviour.
behavioural approach to phobias AO3
two process model is supported by research into peoples phobias. people often recall a specific incident leading to their phobia and even if they dont it is likely they have forgotten the traumatic experience.
biological preparedness: humans are genetically programmed to make associations between life threatening stimuli and fear. in our evolutionary past, snakes and heights may have been life threatening, leading to fear. we are less likely to develop a fear of modern objects. behavioural approach cannot explain all phobias.
it ignores cognitive factors such as fears being caused by irrational beliefs.
systematic desensitisation
counterconditioning: patient is taught new association through classical conditioning, such as relaxation.
relaxation is the first thing that the patient is taught, such as slow and deep breaths.
desensitisation hierarchy:
gradually introducing feared stimuli from least to most feared so that patient isn’t overwhelmed.
1. taught relaxation
2. desensitisation hierarchy created
3. gradually works through each stage using relaxation
4. masters feared stimulus
SD AO3
success: 75% patients respond well. in vivo techniques are most effective, so range of techniques is important.
is only effective for some phobias, those acquired through experience. not appropriate to treat evolutionary phobias such as fear of the dark.
flooding
patient immersed in experience for one long session, continuing until anxiety has disappeared.
a person’s fear response always has a time limit.
as adrenaline naturally decreases, the feared stimulus is associated with non-anxious response.
flooding AO3
flooding is quicker than CBT and is reported as more effective than SD.
it is not for every patient as it can be highly traumatic. patients may quit mid treatment, reducing its effectiveness.
behavioural therapy AO3
they lack the need for thinking, unlike CBT, so is suitable for patients such as children or those with learning disabilities.
only treating symptoms causes symptom substitution, it is more important to treat the underlying cause. Little Hans developed a phobia of horses but his actual problem was envy of his father. once the feelings about his father were resolved, the phobia was cured.
biological approach to explaining OCD - COMT gene
COMT gene - COMT regulates production of dopamine. one form of this gene is more common in OCD patients than people without the disorder. It produces lower activity of COMT gene and higher dopamine levels.
SERT gene - genetic
SERT gene - affects transport of serotonin, creating lower levels of this neurotransmitter. Study of two unrelated families which had this mutated gene and 6/7 members had OCD.
Diathesis-stress - genetic
genes such as SERT are implicated in other disorders such as depression.
each gene creates a vulnerability (diathesis) for mental conditions.
stressors affect what condition develops.
could have COMT or SERT gene but have no illness.
