Chapter 1 (Abnormal Psychology)

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Questions and Answers

What does the id primarily drive human behavior through?

Intellectual reasoning and logic

Instincts of a sexual and aggressive nature (correct)

Conscious thought and reflection

Moral and societal standards

What is the role of the ego in human behavior according to psychoanalysis?

To suppress all instinctual drives

To provide an unrealistic view of desires

To promote moral and ethical judgment

To balance the desires of the id with reality (correct)

What results from the failure to manage conflicts among unconscious forces?

Anxiety that is addressed with defense mechanisms (correct)

Strengthened moral standards

Heightened self-awareness

Increased motivation and drive

In psychoanalytic theory, which component seeks to uphold individual and societal moral standards?

The superego Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of the psychoanalytic perspective on human behavior?

Unconscious conflicts drive much of human behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge in defining abnormality?

Different individuals may interpret behaviors differently based on context. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus when studying mental disorders?

The genetic basis of personalities. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach may be emphasized when evaluating the treatment of mental disorders?

A combination of biological, psychological, and social approaches. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant change in psychiatric classification over time?

Evolution of classifications based on empirical research. Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical approach addresses both causation and treatment of mental disorders?

Cognitive-behavioral approach. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason defining abnormal behavior can be complex?

There is a lack of professional consensus on definitions. Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals disagree on classifications of mental disorders?

Cultural perspectives influence perceptions of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically included in the study of mental disorders?

Caring for individuals with physical diseases only. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Behavioural perspective in psychology?

Observable stimuli and responses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key aspect of the Psychoanalytic perspective?

The role of the unconscious mind Signup and view all the answers

Which newer perspectives are included under the Psychodynamic approach?

Object Relations and Interpersonal Perspectives Signup and view all the answers

According to the Behavioural perspective, behaviors are primarily the result of:

Learning through the environment Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Object Relations' refer to in the context of psychodynamic perspectives?

The significance of early relationships in personality development Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective emphasizes the learning of behavior through observation?

Behavioural perspective Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily associated with the foundations of Behaviourism?

John B. Watson Signup and view all the answers

In which perspective are behaviors viewed as a result of conditioning?

Behavioural perspective Signup and view all the answers

What does the cognitive perspective suggest is the main cause of emotional and behavioral problems?

Dysfunctional cognitions Signup and view all the answers

According to the cognitive perspective, how do individuals contribute to their emotional disturbances?

By misinterpreting events Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's quote is associated with the cognitive perspective?

Epictetus Signup and view all the answers

Which model did Albert Ellis develop to explain cognitive processes related to emotional disturbances?

ABC model Signup and view all the answers

What did Aaron Beck focus on in his work related to cognitive perspectives?

Cognitive distortions in depression Signup and view all the answers

According to cognitive theories, what is primarily responsible for behavioral and emotional disturbances?

How events are interpreted Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the view of the cognitive perspective?

Our perceptions shape our emotional responses. Signup and view all the answers

What underlies the cognitive-behavioral approach according to the cognitive perspective?

The relationship between cognition and behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which version of the DSM was released in 2013?

DSM-5 Signup and view all the answers

What was a key improvement in the DSM compared to earlier versions like DSM-I and DSM-II?

Less vague and more specific diagnostic criteria Signup and view all the answers

Which DSM version followed DSM-III-R?

DSM-IV-TR Signup and view all the answers

What year was the DSM-IV published?

1994 Signup and view all the answers

What is the designation of the most recent update of the DSM released in 2022?

DSM-5-TR Signup and view all the answers

Which version of the DSM was known for introducing a multi-axial system?

DSM-III Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following improvements is associated with the DSM over the years?

Explicit and concrete diagnostic criteria Signup and view all the answers

How many years elapsed between the publication of DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR?

6 years Signup and view all the answers

What does the Humanistic perspective emphasize about individuals?

The potential for human growth and uniqueness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theorists is not associated with the Humanistic perspective?

Sigmund Freud Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Sociocultural perspective is true?

Culture can increase vulnerability to psychopathology. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criticism of the reductionist approach in psychology?

It oversimplifies complex human emotions and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of self-actualization in the Humanistic perspective?

Reaching one's full potential and capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of an integrative approach to understanding mental disorders?

Recognition that no single perspective is sufficient Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders is specific to certain cultures?

Hikikomori in Japanese culture Signup and view all the answers

What does the Behavioural perspective primarily focus on?

Conditioned responses to external stimuli Signup and view all the answers

How do sociocultural factors serve in relation to psychopathology?

They can increase vulnerability or serve as a protective buffer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major focus of the Cognitive-behavioural perspective?

Changing negative thought patterns to influence behavior Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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Abnormal Psychology (Chapter 1)

Conceptual Issues:
- Definitions of abnormal behavior and mental disorder
- Perspectives on classification, causation, and treatment of mental disorders
- Classification and diagnosis of mental disorders

Learning Objectives (Chapter 1)

Describe the difficulties in defining abnormality and mental disorder.
Distinguish theoretical approaches to understanding, classifying, and treating mental disorders.
Evaluate changes in psychiatric classification over time.

Defining Abnormal

Terms related to abnormality: Psychological disorder, Mental disorder, Psychiatric disorder, Mental illness, Psychopathology, Abnormal psychology
No single definition encompasses all aspects of disorders like in the DSM-5.

Defining Abnormal (Continued)

Statistical Deviation: Rare behavior deviates from the average.
Normal Distribution Curve: Shows the distribution of traits and behaviors within a population.
Violation of Social or Cultural Norms: Behaviors contradicting societal expectations, potentially misused (e.g., "Drapetomania").

Characteristics of Mental Disorders

Personal Distress: Emotional pain, helplessness, and hopelessness.
Disability: Impairment in key areas of life (e.g., job loss due to chronic alcohol consumption).
Dysfunction: Disability or maladaptive behavior.
Dyscontrolled Maladaptivity: Intentional harmful behaviors such as excessive substance use.

DSM-5 Definition

A mental disorder is clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotions, or behavior.
It reflects dysfunction in underlying psychological, biological, or developmental processes.

DSM-5 Definition (Continued)

Syndrome: Grouping of signs and symptoms frequently co-occurring.
Distress and Disability: Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important activities (e.g., death of a loved one).

Perspectives on Mental Disorders

Biological: Early views (Hippocrates, infectious, genetics, structural abnormalities, neurotransmitters) and modern biological treatments (e.g., ECT, psychosurgery, medications).
Psychological: (Includes Psychoanalytic, Behavioral, Cognitive, Cognitive Behavioral, and Humanistic sub-perspectives).
Sociocultural: Factors such as culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can increase or decrease vulnerability to mental disorders.

Limitations of the Biological Perspective

Inconclusive evidence for biological causation of mental disorders.
High rates of relapse after medication cessation.
Underestimated side effects of medications.
Categorical approach to classification (limitations of this).

The Psychoanalytic Perspective

Developed by Sigmund Freud (and others).
Focuses on unconscious conflicts and their impact on behavior.
Key concepts: id, ego, superego, defense mechanisms.

The Psychoanalytic Perspective (Continued)

Newer Psychodynamic Perspectives: includes Object Relations, Interpersonal Perspectives and other.

The Behavioral Perspective

Psychology should focus on observable stimuli and responses.
Behaviorism explains behavior through learning (classical, operant, social).
Key figures: Watson, Rayner (Little Albert), Pavlov, Thorndike, and Skinner.
Treatment: involves learning new responses and unlearning old ones (habituation, exposure, aversion, token economies).

The Cognitive Perspective

Emotional and behavioral problems result from dysfunctional cognitions.
Interpretation of events is critical in understanding disorders.
Cognitive distortions include black-and-white thinking, selective attention, overgeneralization, and catastrophizing.

Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective

An integration of cognitive and behavioral perspectives.
Currently dominant in treating psychological disorders.
Treatment involves identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

The Humanistic Perspective

Emphasis on human growth potential, uniqueness, freedom of choice, and responsibility.
Critiques reductionist views.
Key figures: Rogers and Maslow.

The Sociocultural Perspective

Sociocultural factors influence vulnerability to psychopathology.
Cultural norms and expectations impact behavior.
Examples include "Ataque de nervios" and "Hikikomori"

Integrative Approach

No single perspective explains abnormal behavior.
Explains disorders through the interactions of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
Biopsychosocial model, Diathesis-stress model are used.

The Classification and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders

Classification: Categorizing objects or people based on shared features.
- In this context, grouping mental illnesses.
DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
- Clinicians use it to diagnose and classify.
- The DSM has evolved over time with improvements in criteria, description, associated features, and differential diagnosis.
- Critiques include many diagnoses, issues regarding categorical vs continuous model.

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