Psychopathology Flashcards
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality
Statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, deviation from ideal mental health, failure to function adequately
Define statistical infrequency
what is normal usually happens (or happens to the majority of people) and anything that occurs rarely is abnormal.
Define deviation from social norms
behaviour is abnormal if it goes against what most people in society would consider acceptable.
Define deviation from ideal mental health
behaviour is abnormal if it lacks the signs of what people consider to be ideal mental health.
Define Failure to function adequately
behaviour is abnormal if it prevents a person from leading their everyday life.
AO3 evaluation points for statistical infrequency are
+ High reliability, practical applications
- Incomplete explanations, simplified
AO3 evaluation points for deviation from social norms are
+ Holistic, Practical applications
- Generalisability, theoretical issues
AO3 evaluation points for deviation from ideal mental health are
+ Holism, promotes goal setting
- Simplistic, culture
AO3 evaluation points for failure to function adequately are
+ Objectivity, Credibility
- Generalisability, culturally relative
What are the forms of failure to function adequately
Observer discomfort: behaviour makes those around feel uncomfortable
Violation of moral standards: not behaving in accordance with society’s norms
Vividness: others find the behaviour odd
Suffering: individual may suffer as a result of their condition or may conflict suffering on others
Unpredictable: behaviour is unexpected or unpredictable
Maladaptiveness: behaviour prevents the person reaching desired goals
Irrational: behaviour seems to defy logical sense
What factors make up Jahoda’s 6 main characteristics of ideal mental health
Positive attitude towards oneself, accurate perception of reality, autonomy, resisting stress, self actualisation, environmental mastery
Define positive attitude towards oneself as one of Jahoda’s characteristics for ideal mental health
having a high self esteem and strong sense of identity
Define accurate perception of reality as one of Jahoda’s characteristics for ideal mental health
Not distorted by faulty thinkings or delusions
Define autonomy as one of Jahoda’s characteristics for ideal mental health
The ability to function as an independent person, taking responsibility for our own actions
Define resisting stress as one of Jahoda’s characteristics for ideal mental health
Synthesising self attitude and personal growth to create resistance to stress
Define self actualisation as one of Jahoda’s characteristics for ideal mental health
The extent to which a person develops their full capabilities
Define environmental mastery as one of Jahoda’s characteristics for ideal mental health
Ability to love, function at work and interpersonal relations, adjust to new situations and solve problems
What factors make up Rosenham and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction (failure to function adequately)
Personal distress, maladaptive behaviour, unpredictability, irrationality, observer discomfort, violation of moral qualities, unconventionality
Define personal distress as one of Rosenham and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction (failure to function adequately)
The individual may suffer as a result of their condition (e.g. depression) or may inflict suffering on others
Define maladaptive behaviour as one of Rosenham and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction (failure to function adequately)
Behaviour prevents the person reaching desired goals, e.g. unable to work or have relationships
Define unpredictability as one of Rosenham and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction (failure to function adequately)
Behaviour is unexpected or unpredictable
Define irrationality as one of Rosenham and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction (failure to function adequately)
Behaviour seems to defy logical sense
Define observer discomfort as one of Rosenham and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction (failure to function adequately)
Behaviour makes those around feel uncomfortable
Define violation of moral qualities as one of Rosenham and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction (failure to function adequately)
Not behaving in accordance with society’s norms
Define unconventionality (vividness) as one of Rosenham and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction (failure to function adequately)
Others find the behaviour odd
What is a phobia
An intense, overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, situation, feeling or animal
What are the three main types of phobias
Specific phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia
What are emotional characteristics of a phobia
Persistent, excessive, unreasonable fear. High level of anxiety when anticipating the object. Fear when presented with the object. Related to feelings or mood
What are behavioural characteristic of phobias
Panic attacks, crying, screaming, running away, freezing or clinging. Avoiding the feared stimulus. Disruption of everyday functioning. Ways in which people act
What are cognitive characteristics of phobias
Concious awareness of exaggerated anxiety. Paying selective attention to the feared stimulus. Irrational beliefs or cognitive distortions. Refers to thinking and knowing
What is depression
A mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest
What are emotional characteristics of depression
Persistent low mood, pronounced feelings of sadness. Anger directed at self and/or others. Lowered self esteem - feeling worthless and empty
What are behavioural characteristics of depression
Lack of interest in normal everyday activities. Social withdrawal. Insomnia or excessive desire to sleep (hypersomnia). Aggression towards others or self harm
What are cognitive characteristics of depression
Poor concentration - difficulties attending to a task and/or decision making. Cognitive biases - focus on negative aspects of a situation. Suicidal thoughts
What is OCD
Anxiety disorder split into obsession and compulsion
What are emotional characteristics of OCD
Anxiety and distress - may accompany both obsessions and compulsions. Low mood and/or depression. Feelings of guilt or disgust may accompany OCD anxiety
What are behavioural characteristics of OCD
Compulsions: repetitive behaviours e.g. hand washing, which are often performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety. Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety e.g. individual with germ obsession avoids emptying bins
What are cognitive characteristics of OCD
Obsessive thoughts that recur over and over. Cognitive coping strategies e.g. praying. Understanding that obsessions or compulsions are irrational
