Psychopathology Flashcards
What is the definition of deviation from social norms?
Abnormal behaviour that goes against the accepted social norms of a given society or culture.
Why might deviation from social norms not always indicate mental illness?
Some people who deviate from social norms are simply eccentric, like naturists, and do not have mental health issues.
How does the concept of social norms change over time?
Social norms evolve; for example, homosexuality was considered a mental illness in the ICD until 1990.
What is meant by failure to function adequately?
It is when a person’s behaviour prevents them from coping with daily life, such as working or maintaining relationships.
Name one of Rosenhan and Seligman’s criteria for personal dysfunction
Personal distress – the individual feels sad, anxious, or scared.
What is a weakness of the failure to function adequately definition?
Some behaviours may distress others but not the individual themselves, like in the case of Stephen Gough.
What does deviation from ideal mental health focus on?
The absence of characteristics deemed necessary for psychological well-being, like self-actualisation and autonomy.
According to Jahoda, what is self-actualisation?
The experience of personal growth and reaching one’s full potential.
What is a criticism of Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health?
The criteria are unrealistic and few people meet all of them consistently.
What is meant by statistical infrequency?
Behaviour that is rare or statistically uncommon within the general population.
What are behavioural characteristics of phobias?
Panic, avoidance, and endurance in the presence of the phobic object.
What emotional response is commonly seen in people with phobias?
Fear and anxiety.
What are cognitive characteristics of phobias?
Irrational beliefs, selective attention, and distorted perceptions.
What are the two processes in the Two-Process Model of phobias?
Classical conditioning (initiation) and operant conditioning (maintenance).
How did Watson and Raynor create a phobia in Little Albert?
By pairing a white rat with a loud noise, causing Albert to associate the rat with fear.
What is negative reinforcement in the context of phobias?
Avoiding the phobic object reduces fear, which reinforces the behaviour.
Why is the Two-Process Model considered non-stigmatizing?
It treats phobias as learned behaviours rather than as signs of mental illness.
What limitation does the Two-Process Model face?
Not all phobias result from traumatic experiences.
What is systematic desensitisation?
A therapy that replaces fear with relaxation using classical conditioning.
What are the three steps in systematic desensitisation?
Anxiety hierarchy, relaxation training, and gradual exposure.
What principle does systematic desensitisation rely on?
Reciprocal inhibition – you cannot feel fear and relaxation at the same time.
How is flooding different from systematic desensitisation?
Flooding involves immediate exposure to the phobic object without gradual build-up.
What is the mechanism behind flooding?
Extinction occurs when the patient learns that the phobic object is harmless.
What is one major ethical consideration with flooding?
It can be very traumatic, so informed consent is essential.
