Psychopathology Flashcards
What is a statistical infrequency
Someone who is mentally abnormal and if their mental condition is rare- variety of behaviour is judged objectively through the use of comparative statistics (comparing statistical of an individual to the rest of the population)
What is a normal distribution curve
Shows population spread of certain characteristics where mode median and mean are the central highest point of the curve
At what position is a person abnormal on a normal distribution curve
If they’re multiple standard deviations away from the normal average in either direction- less populated/ lower height of the curve
What is a positive of statistical infrequencies
They use objective methods to assess a persons abnormality- better in comparison to a clinically subjective diagnosing where whoever receives treatment or support is based on the subjective opinion of another person
What could be two criticisms of statistical infrequencies
Not all abnormal or rare infrequencies are a negative- example testing IQ where the average is 100 points, a person with an IQ of 70 being just are rare as a person with an IQ of 130. A old definition of abnormality shouldn’t assess of label a person with good intelligence as being in need of additional support
Average is a subjective judgement with real world implications- such as when the cut off point is 70 for additional support to those with an IQ of less than 70. An individual with an IQ of 71 would be denied support or further treatments when they many require it
What is the failure to function adequately
Abnormality where a person is considered abnormal if unable to cope with the demands of everyday life and live independently in society.
What is distress in the psychopathology topic
Psychological or physical pain, harm or suffering
What is deviance in psychopathology
Thoughts, emotions or behaviours that deviate from common societal norms that are deemed acceptable in society- seen as abnormal
What are phobias as a definition
Extreme + persistent irrational fear or anxiety of a specific object situation or activity
What are the two behavioural characteristics
Avoidance= immediate avoidance when presented with an object or situation
Panic= high levels of stress and anxiety- fight or flight responses
What are emotional characteristics
Unreasonable fears or anxieties= emotional triggers- from a specific object or situation
What are some cognitive characteristics
Selective attentions= a fixation on the object they fear because of the irrational fears related to it
Irrational thoughts= untrue thoughts that derive from misconceptions of the fear
Who proposed the idea of the two way model
Mowrer (1960)
What is the two way model
Mowrer (1960) proposed the idea of explaining how phobias are acquired by classical conditions and the maintained by operant conditioning
Classical conditioning=
- a phobia (conditioned response) is associated from an unfeared object (neutral stimulus) and something that triggers a fear response (unconditioned response)
Operant conditioning=
- Mowrer (1960) suggested whenever we avoid a feared phobia we are reinforcing that fear- the reduction of fear reinforces the avoidance behaviour which is an example of negative reinforcement. Makes avoidance more likely in the future.
What is a strength of the two way model in relation to the research conducted by behaviourists
Research evidence to support some phobias develop and are maintained by classical and operant conditioning. The example of lil Albert with the rat and loud bangs. Adds credibility- validates findings- increasing its external validity and explanatory power.
CA= case study, individual specific, not representative —> cautious when generalising
What is a weakness of the two way model by Mowrer (1960) with relation to the SLT approach
People can develop a phobia and are not aware of having had a related bad experience.
SLT possibly learning through observation and imitation
Suggest the behaviourist approach is a less liable explanation for the development of phobias
How can we use the psychodynamic approach to explain and evaluate the behaviourist approach in explaining phobias
The behaviourist approach is reductive
Little hans- phobias of horses- projecting his fear of his father.
Psychodynamic, frauds emphasis on early childhood influencing adult life (phobias??)
Behaviourist approach less effective explanation for the development of phobias
What is flooding?
A form of behavioural therapy used to treat phobias and other anxiety disorders. A client is immediately exposed to an extreme form of the threatening situation until anxiety reaction has decreased.
What is counterbalancing?
Learning a new response- in flooding, counterbalancing occurs as a new response (relaxation instead of an anxious reaction) occurs to a phobic stimulus.
What is reciprocal inhibition?
The idea that you cannot feel afraid and relaxed at the same time, so one emotion prevents the other
What is systematic desensitisation
When a therapist teaches a client relaxation techniques to remove and anxious response to a phobic stimulus
What are the 4 processes of systematic desensitisation
- patient is taught how to relax, such as breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and being mindful
- client and therapist other construct an anxiety hierarchy from least to most feared situation with a phobic stimulus.
- client moves up the hierarchy, from least to most feared situation with the phobic stimulus, whilst practicing the relaxation techniques in each stage.
- the patient eventually masters the feared situation that caused them to seek help, new association of relaxation when presented with a past phobic stimuli
What is the difference between effective and appropriate treatments
Effectiveness= does it work?
Appropriateness= should we use the therapy/ can it be used by different types of people on different types of phobias.
- form your A03 paragraphs around these
What is depression
A mood disorder, characterised by low mood and low energy levels
What is the cognitive approach’s explanation for depression
Most concerned about how irrational thinking (cognitions) leads to depression.
Two major cognitive approaches to explain depression=
- Ellis’ ABC model
- becks negative triad
What is Ellis’ ABC model 1962 and what does it stand for
The key to depression lies with irrational thoughts.
A= activating event (e.g. you getting fired)
B= the belief, this could be rational or irrational.
C= the consequence, rational beliefs lead to healthy emotions (acceptance) irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy emotions (depression)
What is Becks negative Triad
Faulty information processing= focusing on the negative aspects of a situation and ignoring the positives.
Negative self- schemas= if we have a negative self- schema we interpret all information about ourselves in a negative way.
The negative triad- 3 types of native thinking occur naturally, regardless of what is actually happening at the time. This leads to a dysfunctional view of yourself
What did becks theory help develop
Becks theory formed the basis of CBT, stating all cognitive elements of depression can be identified and challenged in CBT.
How has Ellis’ ABC model also helped the development of CBT
His ideas has helped as it states that by challenging the negative, irrational beliefs a person can reduce their depression
What is a key element of CBT
Challenging the irrational thoughts through direct questioning – disputing. This includes using evidence to contradict the client’s irrational thoughts.
What is failure to function adequately
People with psychological disorders often experience considerable suffering and a general inability to cope with their everyday activities.
Who was Stephen gough
The naked rambler, considered abnormal for each other the definitions of abnormality
What is the deviation from ideal mental health
Proposed by Jahoda, looks at positives rather than negative- ideal mental health rather than mental illness.
Jahoda identified 6 major criteria for optimal living, she believed promoted psychological health and wellbeing enables an individual to feel less distress and behave competently.
What is the deviation from ideal mental health
Proposed by Jahoda, looks at positives rather than negative- ideal mental health rather than mental illness.
Jahoda identified 6 major criteria for optimal living, she believed promoted psychological health and wellbeing enables an individual to feel less distress and behave competently.
What are Jahoda criteria
Self attitudes
Personal growth and self actualisation
Integration
Autonomy
Having an accurate perception of reality
Mastery of the environment
