Introduction to Abnormal Psychology Module 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of abnormal psychology?

  • Examining psychopathology and mental disorders (correct)
  • Analyzing social deviance only
  • Understanding cultural influences on behavior
  • Studying criminal behavior exclusively

Which of the following best defines a mental disorder?

  • A culturally accepted response to loss
  • A temporary reaction to stress
  • An enduring condition without distress
  • A syndrome causing significant cognitive or behavioral dysfunction (correct)

Which population has a slightly increased risk of violence according to the provided information?

  • Individuals with dual diagnosis and a history of violence (correct)
  • Individuals with social anxiety
  • Individuals with no mental health issues
  • Individuals experiencing grief

What is NOT considered a mental disorder?

<p>An expectable response to loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should the diagnosis of a mental disorder provide to clinicians?

<p>Clinical utility for prognosis and treatment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is abnormal behavior typically evaluated?

<p>Negatively, as it differs from typical behavior (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a goal of those studying psychopathology?

<p>To alleviate distress from mental disorders (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of a mental disorder?

<p>Significant distress or disability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about mentally disturbed individuals?

<p>They can always be recognized by their abnormal behavior. (A), They inherit their disorders from family members. (B), They can never be cured. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which belief about mental illness is considered a myth?

<p>Mental illness is a sign of weakness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a reality about individuals with mental illness?

<p>Many can contribute significantly to society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What erroneous belief has caused distress to those labeled mentally ill?

<p>Once mentally ill, always mentally ill. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is abnormal behavior defined?

<p>By its impact on daily life and functioning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common myth disregards the complexity of mental illness?

<p>Mental illness can be resolved with willpower alone. (B), Mental illness is always hereditary. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding public perception of mental illness?

<p>Individuals are seen as dangerous and unstable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is recognizing the need for help important for those suffering from mental disorders?

<p>It demonstrates a willingness to improve. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of distress in the context of psychopathology?

<p>Extreme discomfort, pain, or suffering that affects functioning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes deviance in the context of psychopathology?

<p>Behaviors that significantly deviate from social norms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by dysfunction in relation to psychopathology?

<p>A breakdown in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a manifestation of distress?

<p>Exhibiting appropriate social behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is dangerousness assessed in relation to mental illness?

<p>By evaluating the likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse leading to violence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a clinical description?

<p>An outline of symptoms and characteristics of a disorder. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term prevalence refer to in psychopathology?

<p>The commonness of a disorder in a population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be considered an emotional manifestation of distress?

<p>Extreme and prolonged anxiety or depression. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does clinical description primarily help to specify?

<p>What differentiates the disorder from normal behavior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the presenting problem in a clinical context?

<p>The original complaint reported by the client (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does prevalence measure in relation to a disorder?

<p>The total number of individuals affected at a specific time (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'etiology' refer to?

<p>The study of causes and origins of a disorder (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does incidence refer to in epidemiology?

<p>The number of new cases during a specific period (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the 'course' of a disorder?

<p>The pattern of development and change of a disorder (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does prognosis predict regarding a disorder?

<p>The expected outcomes and courses of the disorder (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between prevalence and incidence?

<p>Prevalence is a snapshot in time; incidence is over a period (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Differentiate between pathological and non-pathological behavior.
  • Examine the historical context of Abnormal Psychology and its influence on perceptions of mental disorders.

Topic Learning Outcomes

  • Define abnormal behavior and psychopathology through various criteria for pathological behavior.
  • Explore historical developments of Abnormal Psychology from Western and Filipino perspectives.

Myths vs. Reality of Mental Illness

  • Myth: Abnormal behavior is easily recognizable.

    • Reality: Many individuals with mental disorders do not consistently display unusual behavior.
  • Myth: Mental disorders are inherited within families.

    • Reality: The belief in familial insanity can cause unnecessary anxiety and distress.
  • Myth: Individuals with mental disorders cannot be cured and will struggle to function in society.

    • Reality: Many people labeled as mentally ill can lead normal, productive lives.
  • Myth: Mental disturbance comes from weakness of will.

    • Reality: Seeking help indicates strength and acknowledgment of one's struggles.
  • Myth: Individuals with mental illness cannot contribute meaningfully to society until cured.

    • Reality: Many have made significant contributions despite their mental health challenges.
  • Myth: Mentally ill people are dangerous or violent.

    • Reality: Most do not commit crimes; however, there might be an increased risk for those with dual diagnoses and prior violent behavior.

Abnormal Psychology Basics

  • Focuses on psychopathology, which examines symptoms, causes, and treatments for mental disorders.
  • Aims to describe, explain, predict, and alter behaviors, emotions, or thoughts linked to various mental conditions.

Definition of a Mental Disorder

  • A syndrome marked by significant disturbances in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.
  • Must cause distress or disability in significant life areas (social, occupational).
  • Does not include culturally approved responses to trauma (e.g., grief) or socially deviant behavior unless linked to dysfunction.

Factors in Judging Psychopathology

  • Distress: Reflects discomfort affecting daily functioning, visible in social withdrawal or emotional disturbances like anxiety and depression.
  • Deviance: Significant deviations from social norms may include hallucinations or extreme social fears.
  • Dysfunction: Breakdown in cognitive or emotional functioning can hinder daily life roles and requires performance comparisons.
  • Dangerousness: Rarely are acts of violence tied to severe mental illness; substance abuse is a greater predictor.

Clinical Traits of Mental Disorders

  • Clinical Description: Specific combination of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that distinguish a disorder.
  • Presenting Problem: Initial complaint by the client leading them to seek therapy.
  • Prevalence: Proportion of a population displaying a disorder at any given time.
  • Etiology: Study of the causes of disorders, including biological, psychological, and social factors.
  • Incidence: Number of new cases of a disorder during a specific timeframe.
  • Course: The development pattern of a disorder over time (e.g., chronic, episodic, or time-limited).
  • Prognosis: Predictions regarding the future outcome and progression of a disorder.

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