Dimensional Approach in Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What does a dimensional approach involve?

  • Using only qualitative methods to assess mental health
  • Classifying mental disorders by quantifying severity with numerical values (correct)
  • Creating distinct categories for mental disorders
  • Treating all mental health conditions as the same
  • The dimensional approach assumes that normality and abnormality are endpoints on the same continuum.

    True

    What is a dimensional profile?

    A graphical representation of an individual's scores on the dimensions that are measured.

    Each individual will have a different profile of low or high scores on the various _____ .

    <p>dimensions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dimensions in a dimensional approach can be graded.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Eyesnck Personality Test measure?

    <p>Three dimensions of personality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the EPQ-R considered dimensional?

    <p>Because it provides a profile of scores instead of categorizing individuals as having a specific personality disorder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dimensional approaches can potentially eliminate _____ by avoiding harmful labels.

    <p>stigma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation of the dimensional approach?

    <p>It can be more difficult and time-consuming to use in clinical practice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Dimensional Approach Overview

    • Classifies mental disorders by quantifying symptom severity with numerical values across scales or continuums.
    • Assessment involves scoring individuals on relevant dimensions, producing a score/rating for each.
    • Scores are often visually represented as profiles, showing the intensity of symptoms.

    Underlying Assumptions and Principles

    • Normality and abnormality exist on a continuum, lacking a clear demarcation between the two.
    • The idea of 'mental disorders' is challenged; symptoms are seen as extreme variations of common traits.
    • Labels are discouraged to prevent unnecessary stigmatization.

    Dimensional Profile

    • Represents an individual's scores across measured dimensions in a graphical format.

    Insights from Profiles

    • Each profile is unique, indicating a mix of high and low scores across various dimensions.
    • Profiles highlight the distinctive patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors among individuals.
    • Dimensions can be graded, allowing for a nuanced understanding of mental health.

    Grading Dimensions

    • Dimensions can be assigned scores to reflect the severity of behaviors, traits, or functioning, ranging from absent to severe.
    • Lower scores correlate with reduced impairment, while higher scores are linked to increased function difficulties.

    Eysenck Personality Test

    • A personality questionnaire for individuals aged 18 and over measuring three dimensions: extraversion-introversion, neuroticism-emotional stability, and psychoticism.
    • Results are graphed to illustrate an individual's personality profile.

    EPQ-R Characteristics

    • The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R) is dimensional, providing a profile rather than diagnosing personality disorders based on criteria from DSM or ICD.

    Strengths of Dimensional Approach

    • Reduces stigma by avoiding labels like 'schizophrenic' and 'manic-depressive.'
    • Offers more clinical information by capturing the complete range of behaviors instead of a simplified diagnosis.
    • Effectively represents disorders with symptoms that fall on a continuum.

    Limitations of Dimensional Approach

    • Less familiar to practitioners compared to traditional categorical systems established since the 1800s.
    • May require more time and effort in clinical settings to evaluate multiple dimensions versus binary decisions.
    • Challenges remain in determining the most clinically useful dimensions for measurement and practice.

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    Description

    Explore the dimensional approach to classifying mental disorders through this quiz. Learn how symptoms are quantified on scales, helping to assess severity and create a comprehensive profile of individuals. Test your understanding of this important psychological framework.

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