Abnormal Psychology Overview
42 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of anxiety disorders?

  • Excessive fear or anxiety interfering with daily life (correct)
  • Physical symptoms without medical explanation
  • Emotional extremes of happiness and sadness
  • Disconnection between thoughts and identity

Which of the following statements about somatic symptom disorders is true?

  • They involve physical symptoms with clear medical explanations.
  • They are primarily emotional disorders.
  • They have no physical basis but still cause significant distress. (correct)
  • They affect only children and adolescents.

What distinguishes dissociative disorders from other psychological disorders?

  • They are mainly caused by genetic factors.
  • They are characterized by intense emotional fluctuations.
  • They involve a disconnection between memory and identity. (correct)
  • They produce chronic physical symptoms without psychological roots.

Which of the following best describes personality disorders?

<p>They present with enduring behavioral patterns deviating from cultural norms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is commonly associated with the predisposition model of schizophrenia?

<p>A blend of genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes abnormal behavior within the continuum model?

<p>It may cause significant individual distress. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the medical perspective, abnormal behavior is primarily attributed to which of the following?

<p>Physiological causes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the psychoanalytic perspective suggest as a cause of abnormal behavior?

<p>Childhood conflicts related to aggression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective highlights the role of societal expectations in defining normal and abnormal behavior?

<p>Sociocultural perspective. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the behavioral perspective on abnormal behavior?

<p>Emphasis on learned responses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the cognitive perspective on abnormal behavior?

<p>It values the influence of thoughts and beliefs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the humanistic perspective view abnormal behavior?

<p>Linked to unmet personal potential. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors would likely be considered abnormal based on the established division criteria?

<p>Displaying unusual behavior that poses a danger to self or others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary drawback of defining abnormality based on deviation from the ideal?

<p>It does not consider the societal standards which vary over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the distress criterion, what behavior is considered abnormal?

<p>Behaviors that the individual suffers from and wishes to change. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which definition of abnormality emphasizes the psychological consequences for the individual?

<p>Abnormality based on personal discomfort. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major issue arises when labeling behaviors as abnormal due to mental illness?

<p>No biological test is available to diagnose the mental illnesses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of functioning is primarily considered when defining abnormality as the inability to function effectively?

<p>Social relationships and community involvement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding behaviors that cause distress to others?

<p>They might be disregarded if the individual feels fine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is commonly misunderstood in the definition of abnormality related to mental health?

<p>Individuals with severe disturbances always experience discomfort. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the definition of abnormality based solely on personal discomfort potentially inadequate?

<p>It may not account for individuals who do not seek change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the inability to function effectively typically assessed?

<p>Evaluating social and occupational performance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of abnormal psychology primarily focus on?

<p>People suffering emotional, mental, and physical pain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes cultural relativism in the context of abnormal behavior?

<p>Cultural norms dictate what is considered abnormal behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of defining abnormality based on deviation from the average?

<p>It does not consider the potential benefits of rare behaviors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influences the way individuals express symptoms of mental distress?

<p>Cultural and gender factors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can deviations from ideal behavior contribute to defining abnormality?

<p>They depend heavily on cultural interpretations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential problem associated with cultural relativism?

<p>It can obscure universal standards for treatment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criterion must behaviors meet to be classified as abnormal by the unusualness criterion?

<p>They must deviate significantly from the social norm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge in identifying abnormal behavior using the statistical approach?

<p>It can result in mislabeling healthy behaviors as disordered. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect can influence what is considered an acceptable treatment for maladaptive behavior?

<p>Cultural and gender norms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of defining abnormality solely by social deviation?

<p>It ignores the positive effects of some unusual behaviors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily used to differentiate between normal and abnormal behavior in the judicial system?

<p>Definition of insanity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the term 'insanity' in a legal context?

<p>Inability to understand right from wrong (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four D's of abnormality?

<p>Delusion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are the four D's of abnormality significant in understanding abnormal behavior?

<p>They summarize common characteristics of abnormal behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'dysfunction' refer to in the context of the four D's of abnormality?

<p>Failure to meet societal expectations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following circumstances can a plea of insanity be denied?

<p>In jurisdictions that do not allow such pleas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which D of abnormality emphasizes the social impact of behavior?

<p>Dysfunction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concept of deviance in the four D's of abnormality primarily refers to what?

<p>Behaviors that are socially unacceptable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is used to judge 'dangerousness' within the context of the four D's?

<p>The risk posed to oneself or others (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of relying solely on the four D's of abnormality in diagnosis?

<p>They may lead to subjective judgments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Continuum Model of Abnormality

Abnormal behavior exists on a spectrum, ranging from typical to highly unusual. It is determined by factors like distress, social interference, and danger.

Normal Behavior

Behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are typical for a social context, cause no distress, don't interfere with life, and are not dangerous.

Abnormal Behavior

Behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are highly unusual, distressing, interfere with social/occupational functioning, or are dangerous.

Medical Perspective (abnormality)

Abnormal behavior is linked to physiological causes like hormonal imbalances, chemical deficiencies, or brain injury.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychoanalytic Perspective (abnormality)

Abnormal behavior stems from unresolved childhood conflicts, often related to sex and aggression.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Behavioral Perspective (abnormality)

Abnormal behavior is a learned response to environmental stimuli. Reinforcement and punishment shape behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cognitive Perspective (abnormality)

Cognitive distortions and negative thoughts cause psychological disorders. Focusing on thoughts is key.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sociocultural Perspective (abnormality)

Family dynamics, social expectations, and culture influence normal and abnormal behaviors. Context matters.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ideal Standard

A definition of abnormality that focuses on behavior deviating from an ideal or cultural standard.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Distress Criterion

Behavior is considered abnormal if the individual suffers distress and wants to change it.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Personal Discomfort

A definition of abnormality focused on the individual’s psychological consequences, including distress, anxiety, guilt, or harm to others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mental Illness

Behavior considered abnormal if it's part of a mental illness or disease process.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Functional Impairment

Abnormality is defined by the inability to function effectively in society, like holding a job or maintaining relationships.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Universal Standards?

Society lacks universally agreed-upon standards for ideal behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Changing Standards

Ideal standards of behavior evolve over time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unconscious Distress

Individuals may be unaware of the negative impact their behavior has on themselves or others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

No Biological Test

There isn't a biological test to conclusively diagnose mental illness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Effective Functioning

Most people can function productively in society, but some individuals struggle to adapt.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychopathology

The study of mental, emotional, and often physical pain experienced by individuals, often referred to as abnormal psychology.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Relativism

The idea that there are no universal norms for defining 'abnormal' behavior; it's relative to cultural standards.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Influence on Symptoms

Cultural norms can impact how people express mental health problems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Influence on Willingness to Admit

Culture can impact people's openness to admitting certain mental health symptoms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Influence on Treatment

Cultural norms can influence what treatments are considered acceptable or helpful.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Abnormality as Deviation from Average

Defining abnormal behavior as behaviors that are statistically rare within a culture.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Problems with Deviation from Average

This definition can be flawed because rare behaviors aren't always negative, and some common behaviors might be considered problematic.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Abnormality as Unusualness

Defining abnormal behavior as deviating from what is considered typical or usual within a culture.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Problems with Defining Unusualness

How unusual does a behavior have to be to be considered abnormal? Many rare behaviors are positive; not all unusual behaviors are negative.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Abnormality as Deviation from the Ideal

Defining abnormal behavior as a deviation from a specific ideal or standard of behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anxiety Disorders

These disorders are characterized by excessive fear or anxiety that interferes with daily functioning. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Somatic Symptom Disorders

These disorders involve physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition. The symptoms may be real, but they are caused by psychological distress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dissociative Disorders

These disorders involve a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. This separation can lead to feelings of detachment from oneself or the environment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a prominent feature of Depressive and Bipolar Disorders?

These disorders primarily affect a person's emotional state. They are characterized by emotional states of depression or euphoria so strong that they intrude on everyday living.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Personality Disorders?

These disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural expectations. Individuals with these disorders may have inflexible traits that lead to problems in social relationships or work.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dysfunction

Behavior that interferes with daily life, work, or relationships. It disrupts normal functioning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Distress

Negative emotions or discomfort caused by thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Deviance

Behavior that is significantly different from societal norms or expectations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dangerousness

Behavior that poses a risk of harm to oneself or others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Legal Insanity

A legal term referring to a mental state that prevents someone from understanding right from wrong or controlling their actions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Insanity as a Defense

A plea used in criminal trials to argue that the defendant lacked the mental capacity to be held responsible for their actions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Variable Insanity Definitions

The definition of legal insanity varies widely across jurisdictions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Four D's of Abnormality

A framework for identifying abnormal behavior, including Dysfunction, Distress, Deviance, and Dangerousness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subjective Judgements

Even with the Four D's, determining abnormality involves personal interpretations and opinions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maladaptive Behavior

Behavior that hinders an individual's well-being or adaptation to their environment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Abnormal Psychology

  • Abnormal psychology studies people experiencing emotional, mental, and often physical pain, also known as psychopathology.
  • Defining abnormality considers context and circumstances surrounding a behavior, determining whether it's considered abnormal. Various criteria are used for this determination.
  • Cultural relativism suggests that no universal standards exist for labeling behaviors as abnormal. Instead, behaviors are assessed relative to cultural norms.
  • Cultural and gender differences affect how people express symptoms and their willingness to admit to certain behaviors.
  • Cultural and gender factors also influence accepted treatments for maladaptive behaviors.
  • Abnormality as deviation from the average involves statistically identifying rare behaviors as abnormal, however, this approach can be problematic as rare behaviors may not necessarily be abnormal.
  • Unusualness, as a criterion for abnormality, considers behaviors that are unusual, atypical, or deviant as abnormal, but the degree of unusualness required to define a behavior as abnormal can be challenging to determine.
  • Abnormality as deviation from the ideal compares behavior to a cultural standard or ideal, making it challenging to determine universally applicable standards across cultures and time periods.
  • Distress as a criterion suggests that behaviors are abnormal if they cause distress to the individual or others, but personal interpretations of distress may create subjectivity.
  • Abnormal behavior might stem from a lack of ability to function effectively in society, adjusting to societal demands, as well as meeting societal expectations.
  • Legally, the definition of abnormality (i.e. insanity), varies by jurisdiction and is not a psychological term.
  • The Four D's of abnormality (Dysfunction, Distress, Deviance and Dangerousness) capture major elements in describing abnormal behavior.

Major Psychological Disorders

  • Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or anxiety that interferes with daily functioning.
  • Somatic symptom disorders include physical symptoms unexplained by a medical condition.
  • Dissociative disorders are the result of disconnections in thoughts, identity, consciousness and memory.
  • Depressive and bipolar disorders primarily affect mood states, resulting in significant emotional changes.
  • Childhood disorders can significantly affect development and functioning, and can appear in different forms (e.g. ADHD, ASD).
  • Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders cause disruptions in thought processes, perception, and social interactions.

Perspectives on Abnormal Behavior

  • Medical perspective suggests abnormal behavior stems from physiological causes, like hormonal or chemical imbalances, or brain injuries.
  • Psychoanalytic perspective connects abnormal behavior to unresolved childhood conflicts, particularly related to sex and aggression.
  • Behavioral perspective emphasizes learned responses to environmental stimuli through reinforcement and punishment.
  • Cognitive perspective attributes abnormal behavior to faulty thought processes or cognitive distortions.
  • Humanistic perspective suggests abnormal behavior arises from a failure to realize one's potential and emphasizes individual choice and responsibility.
  • Sociocultural perspective emphasizes how social factors like family dynamics, societal expectations, and cultural norms shape both normal and abnormal behaviors.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Abnormal Psychology PDF

Description

Explore the foundations of abnormal psychology, focusing on the definitions and cultural considerations that affect the understanding of abnormal behavior. This quiz addresses how context influences the classification of psychopathology and the role of cultural and gender differences in treatment approaches. Test your knowledge on the criteria and perceptions of what constitutes abnormality.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser