PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Flashcards
Becks negative triad
‘’’’’\mponente of Becks cognitive explanation
Becks negative triad
Firstly, faulty information processing focuses on negative, catastrophic and absolutist thinking. Secondly, Negative self schema is a mental framework for interpreting the world in a negative world view of self. Thirdly, Beck also suggested that a person develops a dysfunctional view of themselves because of three types of negative thinking that occur automatically, regardless of the reality of what is happening at the time. These three elements are called negative triad. An example of a negative view of the world is ‘the world is a cold hard place’. This created the impression that there is no hope anywhere.
Two process model
According to this, phobias are initiated through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning
Systematic desensitisation
This uses counter conditioning to unlearn a maladaptive response to a situation or object, by eliciting another response. These are three critical components to systematic desensitisation . 1) fear hierarchy 2) relaxation training 3) reciprocal inhibition
Statistical infrequency
Statistical infrequency is one definition of abnormality. This definition of abnormal behaviour states that it is rare or statistically unusual. For example, if the majority of people in a population sleep 8 hours per night on average, someone who consistently sleeps only 2 hours per night would be considered abnormal. This statistical approach comes into its own when we are dealing with characteristics that can be reliably measured, for example intelligence.
Relaxation
This is one of the processes involved in systematic desensitisation. The client and therapist work together to develop a fear hierarchy and then the client is taught relaxation techniques, such as breathing techniques. The final component of SD involves exposing the patient to their phobic situation (starting from the bottom moving up) while remaining relaxed. The idea is that the relaxation should overtake the fear (reciprocal inhibition)
Irrational thoughts
According to Ellis, irrational thoughts are patterns of thinking that are illogical, distort reality and prevent you from reaching your goals
ABC model
Ellis ABC model suggested a different cognitive explanation of depression. He proposed that good mental health is the result of rational thinking and poor health is irrational thinking. Ellis defined irrational thoughts as illogical and unrealistic. According to Ellis the activating event would be the tigger such as an ending of a relationship. Ellis identified a range of beliefs. He called the belief that we must always succeed or achieve perfection is called ‘musturbation’. Consequences is when the activating event triggers the irrational beliefs where there are emotional and behavioural consequences.
Genetic explanation of OCD
Flooding
flooding is a more extreme and immediate treatment that involves direct, prolonged exposure to the feared stimulus without a gradual build-up. Unlike systematic desensitisation, which takes multiple sessions, flooding often requires just one long session lasting 2-3 hours. It is not suitable for children or elderly individuals due to its intensity, and it has a high attrition rate, meaning many patients drop out. Flooding works by preventing avoidant behaviour, forcing the patient to confront their fear until they realise the stimulus is harmless, a process called extinction in classical conditioning. Over time, the conditioned fear response weakens, and the individual may even relax due to exhaustion. Although flooding is highly effective, it can be distressing, so informed consent is essential before treatment.
Failure to function adequately
Another attempt to define abnormal behaviour is the failure to function adequately (FFA). An individual’s behaviour would be classified as abnormal if it caused personal distress or the inability to cope with day-to-day tasks (functions). Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) identified six characteristics that demonstrate that a person is failing to cope, which all fall under the three categories of:
- Maladaptive behaviour, e.g. behaviour that prevents the person from adjusting to a situation in an appropriate manner, or unpredictable behaviour.
- Irrational or dangerous behaviour.
- Behaviour that causes personal distress or distress to others.
For example, a person with depression may stay in bed all day, someone with social phobia may avoid social situations, and an alcoholic or drug user may be unable to hold down a job. All these examples show personal distress and maladaptive behaviour. Therefore, according to the FFA criteria, they would be considered abnormal behaviour. Or a schizophrenic may display maladaptive behaviour at a funeral service by displaying fits of laughter and causing distress to others.
Deviation from social norms
A deviation from social norms is another definition of abnormality. This definition of abnormal behaviour states that it violates the unwritten rules of society or cultural expectations. For example, a person who talks loudly in a library or wears unusual clothing in a conservative workplace may be considered abnormal.
Deviation from ideal mental health
Jahoda (1958) defined abnormality as a deviation from ideal mental health and identified six criteria that constitute an ‘ideal’ state of positive mental health. The presence of these qualities indicates psychological health and well-being, while the more criteria an individual fails to meet, the more abnormal they are in terms of mental health. The first criterion is a positive self-attitude, meaning a mentally healthy person has a positive view of themselves and high self-esteem. Second, self-actualisation refers to the ability to reach and fulfil one’s potential, as failing to do so can lead to an unhealthy mental state. Third, resistance to stress is the ability to cope with stressful situations effectively. Fourth, personal autonomy involves thinking and acting independently, free from the influence of others. Fifth, an accurate perception of reality allows individuals to see life as it is, rather than through a distorted perspective. Finally, adapting to the environment means adjusting to changes in one’s social surroundings, such as work and personal life. According to Jahoda, the more of these criteria a person meets, the healthier their mental state.
