Abnormal Behaviour Overview and Case Study

Abnormal Behaviour Overview

• Abnormal behaviour is defined as atypical, uncommon, or socially unacceptable behaviour that deviates from the norm.
• It can be distressing to the individual exhibiting the behaviour or to those around them.
• It often interferes with daily responsibilities and life goals.
• Determining what is 'normal' and 'abnormal' can be challenging.

Hypothetical Case Study

• Mental health in youth is increasingly scrutinized.
• A 6-year-old girl, Ava, exhibits behaviours like lining stuffed animals in a specific order, repeatedly checking belongings, and frequent handwashing.
• Parents struggle to determine if these actions indicate a developmental stage or a deeper issue.

Getting Started

• Parents often refer children for mental health treatment.
• It's crucial to ensure children's voices are heard and to obtain consent/assent.
• Assessments and treatment plans need careful explanation to the child.

Important Features

• Many children with psychological problems don't follow expected developmental trajectories.
• Professionals require a strong background in typical development.
• Knowledge of normative standards is essential.
• Understanding cultural differences and their impact on development is critical.
• Social and academic functioning are important aspects of developmental trajectories.

What is the Goal of Treatment for Children and Adolescents?

• Treatment aims to reduce distress and improve quality of life.
• It's not just about lessening symptoms but also empowering individuals to handle daily situations and develop coping skills for the future.

Criteria for a Psychological Disorder

• A psychological disorder involves a significant and measurable impairment in functioning.
• Impairment can be psychological, biological, or developmental.
• The behaviour must cause significant distress to the individual or others.
• Social differences, like those based on culture or religion, aren't considered disorders unless accompanied by distress and impaired functioning.

Social Impact of Psychological Problems

• Psychological disorders affect both the individual and their social circle.
• A stigma often surrounds psychological disorders.
• Stigma is a negative viewpoint which can lead to isolation and discrimination.

Causes of Abnormal Behaviour

• Abnormal behaviour is viewed through a biopsychosocial lens.
• Biological factors include genetic predisposition, physiological changes, and exposures to toxins.
• Psychological factors include past experiences, personality traits, coping mechanisms, and negative thought patterns.
• Sociocultural factors include social policies, family dynamics, exposure to discrimination and stigma, and life experiences.

Humanitarian Approach

• This approach believes people can develop self-control with quiet and restful environments.
• Stress and living conditions often exacerbate psychological disorders.

Deinstitutionalization Movement

• Mental hospitals shifted to community-based settings in the 1960s.
• This transition caused challenges such as a lack of resources and proper care.
• A significant shift has occurred toward client-centered treatment models, empowering clients to choose their treatment options.

Scientific Approach

• Various psychological models have been proposed, including those by Pavlov, Skinner, and Freud.
• Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and psychoanalysis (Freud) are widely studied models.

Positive Reinforcement

• Positive reinforcement strengthens a behavior by rewarding desired or positive outcomes.
• This technique is very effective in changing a child's behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• CBT is a popular therapy approach.
• It involves educating individuals on their symptoms and the development of coping and controlling mechanisms.

Recent Movements

• Recent emphasis in psychology is on prevention and growth, viewing disorders not as problems but as obstacles to well–being and fulfillment.
• Methods are being developed to support individuals before symptoms manifest, with a focus on providing the tools for successful well-being.

Research Methods in Abnormal Psychology

• Scientific methods in abnormal psychology emphasize objectivity in testing theories.
• This involves avoiding biases and using descriptive and experimental research designs.
• Translational research, in particular, aims to leverage discoveries to inform practice.

Experimental Design

• Independent variables (IVs) are manipulated in experiments to observe their effects on dependent variables (DVs).
• Randomized control trials (RCTs), and quasi-experimental designs, are common experimental methods in assessing the impact of interventions in treating disorders.