Psychopathology Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 4 definitions for abnormality?

A

-deviation from social norms
-failure to function adequately
-statistical infrequency
-deviation from ideal mental health

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2
Q

Define deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality

A

-any behaviour which differs from that which society expects. behaviour that breaks the social norms are seen as abnormal

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3
Q

What are strengths of using deviation from social norms?

A

-real life application

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4
Q

What is a limitation of using deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality?

A

-social norms change over time and also change between cultures therefore this definition has cultural bias

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5
Q

Define failure to function adequately as a definition for abnormality

A

-A person who fails to function and to cope with everyday life

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6
Q

What are some strengths for failure to function adequately for abnormality?

A

-real life application
-takes into account the patient’s subjective experience

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7
Q

What are some limitations for failure to function adequately for abnormality?

A

-too subjective
-too unreliable

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8
Q

Define statistical infrequency as a definition for abnormality

A

-a person’s trait, thinking or behaviour which is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.

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9
Q

what are some strengths of using statistical infrequency?

A

-real life application

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10
Q

What is a limitation of using statistical infrequency as a definition for abnormality?

A

-some behaviours are regarded as abnormal even though they are statistically frequent

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11
Q

Define deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for abnormality

A

Jahoda suggested 6 criteria necessary for ideal mental health. Any absence of these indicated individuals as being abnormal:
-resistance to stress
-growth development
-high self esteem
-autonomy(self reliant)

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12
Q

What are some strengths for deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for abnormality?

A

-positive focus
-real life application

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13
Q

What are some limitations of using deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for abnormality?

A

-cultural relativism-in different cultures, ideal mental health is defined differently 7
-low on validity-no evidence that certain behaviour deviates from ideal mental health

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14
Q
A
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15
Q

What is the DSM?

A

-Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental health

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16
Q

What does DSM define a phobia as?

A

-an anxiety disorder
-excessive fear and anxiety triggered by an object, place or situation

17
Q

What is the Behavioural explanation of phobias?

A

-behaviourists argue that abnormal behaviour is learnt in the same way that all behaviour is learnt
-it focuses on explaining the behavioural characteristics of phobias

18
Q

Which behaviourist psychologist proposed a 2 process model to explain phobias?

A

Mowrer(1960)

19
Q

Describe the 2-process model

A

-classical conditioning-used to explain how phobias are acquired
-operant conditioning-uses to explain how phobias are maintained

20
Q

Describe classical conditioning as an explanation for the creation of phobias

A

-a phobia is acquired through association-assocation of something we initially have no fear of(a neutral stimulus) qnd something that already triggers a fear response(unconditioned stimulus)

21
Q

Describe operant conditioning as an explanation to why phobias are maintained

A

-takes place when our behaviour is reinforced or punished. Reinforcement tends to increase the frequency of a behaviour and can be positive or negative reinforcement

22
Q

Define positive reinforcement

A

-if someone is rewarded for showing a phobic reaction this could reinforce the behaviour

23
Q

Describe negative reinforcement

A

When we get anxious around phobis stimuli we avoid them. This prevents anxiety which is the desirable consequence so behaviour will be repeated

24
Q

Strengths of behaviourist explanation for phobias

A

-Real life application-can be used for systematic desensitation
-evidence to support behavioural explanation of phobias

25
Q

Limitations of the behavioural explanation of phobias

A

-too reductionist
-low on ecological validity
-not all phobias are learnt some are innate such as loud noises

26
Q

What is the little Albert study for behaviourist approach?

A

Little Albert was exposed to white stuff and loud noises were played so he developed a phobia of white rabbits and stuff

27
Q

What are the 2 ways to deal with phobias?

A

-systematic desensitisation and flooding

28
Q

What is the 3 step process of Systematic desensitisation?

A

1) Relaxation techniques are taught
2) fear hireachy is created
3) Exposure

29
Q

Describe relaxation in systematic desensitisation

A

-therapist teaches the patient to relax as deeply as possible. This involves using breathing exercises

30
Q

Describe the creation of a fear hireachy in systematic desensitisation

A

-anxiety hireachy is put together by the patient and therapist. This is a list of situations related to the phobic stimulus that provoke anxiety arranged in order from least to most frightening

31
Q

Describe exposure in systematic desensitisation

A

Patient is exposed to the phobic stimulus while in a relaxed state. This takes place over several sessions and it starts at the bottom of the hireachy

32
Q

Describe flooding as a form of treating phobias

A

-flooding works by exposing the patient directly to their worst fears. They’re throwing into the deep end
-it aims to expose the sufferer to the phobic object or situation for an extended period if time in a safe and controlled environment
-without option of avoidance behaviour patient learns quickly that the fear is harmless

33
Q

What are some strengths of Systematic desensitisation

A

-suitable for many types of phobias and many different people
-less traumatic compared to flooding

34
Q

Evaluate flooding

A

–does not address the thought process behind the phobia therfore maybe less appropriate and effective for more complex phobias
-can be seen as unethical
-quick and cheap tho