Psychopathology Flashcards
Outline what statistical infrequency is. (Definition of abnormality).
Refers to behaviours which are not common. Bottom 2% of top 2% when plotted on a normal distribution curve.
Evaluate statistical infrequency.
+ Uses statisitical measures and does not rely on subjective opinions meaning it reduces the likelihood of professionals making decisions on personal bias or stereotypes.
- Some rare behaviour are desirable for example high IQ so perhaps not an abnormality.
- Labelling someone as abnormal can lead to a poor self image or discrimination.
Outline deviation from social norms. (Definition of abnormality).
Someone is seen as abnormal if their thinking or behaviour violates the unwritten social rules about what is acceptable.
Evaluate deviation from social norms.
- Cultural relativism - social norms differ between cultures and what is considered normal in one culture may not be in another. This can lead to people being wrongfully labelled.
- It relies on the context of the behaviour for instance screaming at a party may be seen as normal compared to in the street.
Outline failure to function adequately. (Definition of abnormality).
Where a person cannot function in everyday life for instance not being able to attend work.
Features of dysfunction - Personal distress, irrationality.
Evaluate failure to function adequately.
+ considers personal experiences of the patient and does not simply make a judgement without taking the personal viewpoint of the sufferer into consideration.
Outline deviation from ideal mental health (definition of abnormality).
Jahoda created a criteria when someone’s behaviour doesn’t meet this they are considered abnormal.
No personal distress.
Rational.
Self actualise.
Resilient.
High self esteem.
Autonomy.
Evaluate deviation from ideal mental health.
- People experience symptoms described by Jahoda. - Unrealistic criteria.
- Cultural relativism.
Outline what a phobia is.
An anxiety disorder which can cause an irrational fear of a particular object or situation.
Outline behavioural characteristics of phobias.
Panic - crying, screaming.
Avoidance.
Outline cognitive characteristics of phobias.
Irrational thought processes.
Person knows the fear is excessive.
Outline emotional characteristics of phobias.
Anxiety/fear.
Prevents relaxing and positive emotion.
Outline what the two process model is.
It suggests that phobias are initially developed due to classical conditioning and then maintained through operant conditioning.
Outline the two process model steps to create a phobia.
Step 1: Phobia is learnt through classical conditioning. The phobic stimulus was initially neutral but has become associated with an unconditioned stimulus which does cause fear.
Step 2: The phobia is maintained through operant conditioning.
When answering provide examples or link to stimulus if given.
Evaluate the two process model.
+ Little Albert - phobia of rate started when classical conditioned from hammer. This was then maintained through operant conditioning.
+ practical application to therapy such as systematic desensitisation.
Name the two types treatments for phobias.
Systematic desensitisation
Flooding
Outline systematic desensetisation (behavioural therapy for phobias).
Gradually reduce phobia through the principles of classical conditioning. They go through counterconditioning where a new positive response to the phobic stimulus is learned (relaxation instead of anxiety)
There are three steps:
Patients are taught how to relax. This could be through breathing techniques or anti - anxiety drugs.
Create an anxiety hierarchy where participant puts their phobic stimulus in order from least to most anxiety inducing.
Patients are taught how to relax. This could be through breathing techniques or anti - anxiety drugs.
The patient is then exposed to the bottom of the hierarchy and only moves up once they can remain relaxed.
