Psychopathology Flashcards
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality
Deviation form social norms
Statistical infrequency
Deviation from ideal mental health
Failure to function adequately
What is the deviation from social norms explanation
Behaviours that is seen as a deviation from social norms is considered abnormal
What is a norm
Standards of acceptable behaviour set by and carried out by a social group
What does abnormal behaviour refer to
Deviant behaviour, antisocial behaviour, or undesirable behaviour
What is the statistical infrequency definition
Behaviour that is statistically rare is considered abnormal
According to the statistical infrequency definition what is rare
Standard deviation
What is the deviation from ideal mental health definition
Abnormality can be diagnosed the same as physical ill health with a criteria
What are the six criteria for deviation from ideal mental health
Self attitude
Personal growth
Integration
Autonomy
Accurate perception of reality
Master of environment
What is the failure to function adequately definition
Abnormal behaviour is judged in terms of being able to function adequately
What are the seven major features of failure to function adequately?
Suffering
Maladaptive
Unconventionality
Loss of control
Irrational
Observe a discomfort
Violation of moral standards
What is a phobia
Irrational fear of an object or situation
What are behavioural characteristics of phobias
Panic: screaming, crying, running away
Avoidance: avoiding feared stimulus
Endurance: remaining in presence of feared stimulus causes high levels of anxiety
What are emotional characteristics of phobias
Fear: marked, excessive and unreasonable
Anxiety: emotional response to fear
What are cognitive characteristics of phobias
Selective attention: focusing attention on object
Irrational beliefs: may believe you are in danger even if no real danger is posed
Cognitive distortion: perception of stimulus may be distorted
Explain the two process model
Explains how phobias are learned:
1) Association created between stimulus and fear response
2) Phobia is maintained through reinforcement
Explain little Albert and generalisation
Albert developed phobias with objects with shared characteristics with the rat e.g. cotton wool
Explain little Albert and extinction
He was observed 10 days later and his fear was much less marked
How are phobias maintained according to behaviourists
Reinforcement
Explain how phobias are maintained through reinforcement
Negative reinforcement: avoiding feared stimulus reduces anxiety increasing avoidance
Positive reinforcement: fear response bring attention which increases the likelihood of panic
Explain the process of flooding
Used prolonged and immediate exposure to the feared stimulus until the person calms down, they are taught relaxation techniques which are applied through the exposure, the client learns a new relaxation response to replace fear
How does flooding work
Without the option of avoidance the patient undergoes extinction as the fear response is extinguished
In vivo verses in vitro
In vivo is actual exposure
In vitro is imaginary
