T4: Psychopathology

• What does statistical infrequency imply about a disorder?

  A disorder is abnormal if its frequency is more than two standard deviations away from the mean incidence rates.
• 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 the 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 are the consequences of not obeying social and interpersonal rules according to the failure to function adequately definition?

  It may lead to distress, dangerous behavior, and being considered abnormal.

  
• 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 suggest about abnormal behavior?

  Abnormal behavior is based on straying away from social norms specific to a certain culture.
• How can cultural differences affect the diagnosis of mental health disorders?

  Cultural differences can lead to significant variations in mental health diagnoses based on social norms.
• What historical example illustrates discrimination based on deviation from social norms?

  The diagnosis of 'nymphomania' in women who showed sexual attraction towards working-class men.
• What is cultural relativism in the context of mental health diagnoses?

  Cultural relativism refers to the idea that mental health diagnoses can vary significantly between different cultures.
• Who proposed the deviation from ideal mental health definition?

  Jahoda (1958).
• What are the criteria for ideal mental health according to Jahoda?

  Criteria include self-actualization, accurate self-perception, absence of distress, normal motivation levels, 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 the concept of self-actualization?

  In collectivist cultures, self-actualization may be viewed as selfish, while in individualist cultures, it is celebrated.
• What are the behavioral characteristics of phobias?

  Panic, avoidance, and endurance.
• What physiological response occurs during panic in phobias?

  Heightened physiological arousal caused by the hypothalamus triggering the sympathetic nervous system.
• How does avoidance behavior impact a patient's life in phobias?

  It severely impacts their ability to continue with day-to-day activities.
• What happens during endurance in phobias?

  The patient remains exposed to the phobic stimulus for an extended period while experiencing heightened anxiety.
• What are the main emotional characteristics of phobias?

  Anxiety and unawareness of the irrationality of the anxiety experienced.
• What cognitive characteristics are associated with phobias?

  Selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, and cognitive distortions.
• What is selective attention in the context of phobias?

  It means the patient remains focused on the phobic stimulus despite severe anxiety.
• How do irrational beliefs contribute to phobias?

  They lead to unreasonable responses of anxiety towards the phobic stimulus.
• What are cognitive distortions in phobias?

  They involve the patient not perceiving the phobic stimulus accurately, often leading to irrational fears.
• What are the behavioral characteristics of depression?


  Changed activity levels, aggression, and 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 cognitive characteristics are associated with depression?

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

  Compulsions and avoidance behavior.
• What emotional characteristics are associated with OCD?

  Guilt, disgust, depression, and anxiety.
• What cognitive characteristics are associated with OCD?

  Patients acknowledge their anxiety is excessive and irrational, develop cognitive strategies, and experience obsessive thoughts.
• What did Mowrer suggest about the acquisition of phobias?

  Phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.
• How did Watson and Rayner demonstrate classical conditioning in phobias?

  They showed how Little Albert associated fear from a loud bang with a white rat.
• What is the role of operant conditioning in maintaining phobias?

  Avoidance behaviors are negatively reinforced, making them likely to be repeated.
• What is a major advantage of Mowrer's theory of phobias?

  It explains the mechanism behind the acquisition and maintenance of phobias.
• What does Buck's alternative explanation suggest about avoidance behavior?

  Safety is a greater motivator for avoidance behavior than simply avoiding anxiety.
• What did Seligman suggest about the acquisition of phobias?

  We are more likely to develop phobias towards 'prepared' stimuli that posed threats to our ancestors.
• What is systematic desensitization?

  A behavioral therapy designed to reduce phobic anxiety through gradual exposure to the phobic stimulus.
• What principle does systematic desensitization rely upon?

  It relies upon counterconditioning, learning a new response of relaxation to the phobic stimulus.
• What is reciprocal inhibition in the context of systematic desensitization?


  It is the idea that one cannot be both relaxed and anxious at the same time.