psychopathology

• What is the definition of statistical infrequency in psychopathology?

  It implies that a disorder is abnormal if its frequency is more than two standard deviations away from the mean.
• How is statistical infrequency used in clinical diagnoses?

  It is used as a comparison with a baseline or 'normal' value to assess the severity of a disorder.
• Why might statistical infrequency not always be a negative characteristic?

  Because some abnormal characteristics, like high empathy or an IQ above 130, are not viewed negatively.
• Who proposed the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality?

  Rosenhan and Seligman (1989).
• What does the failure to function adequately definition suggest?

  It suggests that individuals may be considered abnormal if their mental state prevents them from leading a normal life.
• What is a major strength of the failure to function adequately definition?

  It takes into account the patient's perspective, leading to potentially more accurate diagnoses.
• What is a major weakness of the failure to function adequately definition?

  It may lead to labeling patients as 'strange' or 'crazy', reinforcing negative stereotypes.
• What does the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality suggest?

  It suggests that abnormal behavior is based on straying away from social norms specific to a culture.
• How can the deviation from social norms definition lead to discrimination?

  It can lead to discrimination as it varies significantly between cultures, reflecting social control mechanisms.
• What historical example illustrates discrimination based on deviation from social norms?

  'Nymphomania' was used to label women attracted to working-class men, reflecting patriarchal society.
• What is cultural relativism in the context of deviation from social norms?

  Cultural relativism suggests that behaviors viewed as abnormal in one culture may be normal in another.
• Who proposed the deviation from ideal mental health definition of abnormality?

  Jahoda (1958).
• What does Jahoda's definition of ideal mental health include?

  Criteria such as self-actualization, accurate self-perception, and high self-esteem.
• What is a major issue with Jahoda's definition of ideal mental health?

  It may set unrealistic expectations, labeling many as abnormal for not meeting all criteria.
• How does cultural relativism affect Jahoda's definition of ideal mental health?

  Self-actualization may be viewed as selfish in collectivist cultures, affecting its acceptance.
• What are the behavioral characteristics of phobias?

  • Panic
  • Avoidance
  • Endurance
• What physiological response occurs during panic in phobias?

  Heightened physiological arousal due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity.
• How does avoidance behavior in phobias affect daily life?

  It severely impacts the patient's ability to continue with their day-to-day lives.
• What emotional characteristics are associated with phobias?

  Anxiety and an unawareness that the anxiety is irrational.
• What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

  Selective attention, irrational beliefs, and cognitive distortions.
• How does selective attention manifest in phobias?

  The patient remains focused on the phobic stimulus, causing severe anxiety.
• What is the impact of cognitive distortions in phobias?

  The patient does not perceive the phobic stimulus accurately, leading to irrational fears.
• What are the behavioral characteristics of depression?

  • Changed activity levels
  • Aggression towards oneself and others
  • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• What emotional characteristics are associated with depression?

  Lowered self-esteem, constant poor mood, and high levels of anger.
• What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?

  Absolutist thinking, selective attention towards negative events, and poor concentration.
• What are the behavioral characteristics of OCD?

  • Compulsions
  • Avoidance behavior
• What emotional characteristics are associated with OCD?

  Guilt, disgust, depression, and anxiety.
• What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  Acknowledgment of excessive anxiety, development of coping strategies, and obsessive thoughts.
• What is Mowrer's theory on the acquisition and maintenance of phobias?

  • Phobias are acquired through classical conditioning.
  • Maintained through operant conditioning.
• What did Watson and Rayner demonstrate with Little Albert?

  They showed how fear can be conditioned through association with a neutral stimulus.
• How does operant conditioning maintain phobias?

  By negatively reinforcing avoidance behaviors, which prevents exposure to the phobic stimulus.
• What is systematic desensitization in treating phobias?

  • A behavioral therapy to reduce phobic anxiety.
  • Involves gradual exposure to the phobic stimulus.
  • Relies on counterconditioning.
• What supporting evidence is there for systematic desensitization?

  Gilroy et al. found a reduction in symptoms for patients treated with systematic desensitization compared to a control group.
• Why is systematic desensitization suitable for many patients?

  It can be adapted for patients with learning difficulties.
• What is the purpose of relaxation techniques in systematic desensitisation?

  To help the patient manage anxiety at each level of the hierarchy
• How does a patient progress through the levels of anxiety in systematic desensitisation?

  By remaining calm at the current level before moving to the next
• What was the sample size in Gilroy et al.'s study on systematic desensitisation?

  42 patients
• What did Gilroy et al. compare in their study?

  The progress of patients treated with systematic desensitisation to a control group learning relaxation techniques
• What were the findings of Gilroy et al. at 3 and 33 months?

  The systematic desensitisation group showed a reduction in symptoms compared to the control group
• Why is systematic desensitisation suitable for patients with learning difficulties?

  Because it does not require the full cognitive commitment needed for cognitive behavioural therapy