Questions and Answers
What does a dimensional approach involve?
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 _____ .
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Dimensions in a dimensional approach can be graded.
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What does the Eyesnck Personality Test measure?
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Why is the EPQ-R considered dimensional?
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Dimensional approaches can potentially eliminate _____ by avoiding harmful labels.
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What is a limitation of the dimensional approach?
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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.
