PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Flashcards
Define Cultural Relativism
The view that behaviour cannot be judges properly unless it is viewed in the context of the culture in which it originates
What is psychopathology?
The scientific study of psychological disorders (‘pathology’ is the study of disease). In the case of psychological disorders, the issuer is how do we identify when someone is ‘ill’ - in what way does their behaviour differ from what is normal, i.e. is it abnormal?
Define ‘Deviation from social norms’
Explain how deviation from social norms can be used to define abnormality
Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated rules about how one ‘ought’ to behave. Anything that violates these rules is considered abnormal
Define ‘Statistical Infrequency’
Explain how statistical infrequency can be used to define abnormality
Abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare, i.e. any behaviour that is found in very few people is regarded as abnormal
Define ‘Deviation from Ideal Mental Health’
Explain how deviation from ideal mental health can be used to define abnormality
Abnormality is defined in terms of mental health, behaviours that are associated with competence and happiness. Ideal mental health would include a positive attitude towards the self, resistance to stress and an accurate perception of reality (Jahoda, 1958)
Define ‘Failure to Function Adequately’
Explain how failure to function adequately can be used to define abnormality
People are judged on their ability to go about daily life. If they can’t do this and are also experiencing distress (or others are distressed by their behaviour) then it is considered a sign of abnormality
What is Jahoda’s (1958) criteria for ideal mental health?
- Self-attitudes: having high self esteem and strong sense of identity
- Personal growth and Self-Actualisation
- Integration: ability to cope with stressful situations
- Autonomy: independence and self-regulation
- Having an accurate perception of reality
- Mastery of the environment: ability to love, function at work + in interpersonal relationships
Define Depression
A mood disorder where an individual feels sad and/or lacks interest in their usual activities. Further characteristics include irrational negative thoughts, raised or lowered activity levels and difficulties with concentration, sleep and eating
Define Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
An anxiety disorder where anxiety arises from both obsession (persistent thoughts) and compulsions (behaviours that are repeated over and over again). Compulsions are a response to obsessions and the person believes the compulsions with reduce anxiety
Define Phobias
A group of mental disorders characterised by high levels of anxiety in response to a particular stimulus or group of stimuli. The anxiety interferes with normal living
Outline the emotional characteristics of phobias
- Persistent, marked fear
- Emotional response - UNREASONABLE/IRRATIONAL
Outline the behavioural characteristics of phobias
- Panic: e.g. crying, screaming, running (children may freeze or have a tantrum)
- Avoidance: sufferers may avoid contact with phobic stimulus
- Endurance: sufferers may remain in presence of phobic stimulus but have increased anxiety
Outline the cognitive characteristics of phobias
- Selective attention to phobic stimulus: hard to look away
- Irrational beliefs: e.g. social phobias involve beliefs like ‘I must always sound intelligent’ Pressure
- Cognitive distortion: an ophidiophobic may see snakes as aliens + aggressive
Outline the emotional characteristics of depression
- Decreased mood
- Decreased self-esteem
- Anger (increase in negative emotion)
Anger —> aggression —> self-harm
Outline the behavioural characteristics of depression
- Decreased energy (LETHARGIC) OR Increased energy (PSYCHOMOTOR AGITATION)
- Insomnia OR Hypersomnia
- Increased OR Decreased appetite
- Aggression
- Self-harm
NOT ALL OF THESE MAY BE EXPERIENCED. IT CHANGES