Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes 'deviant' behavior?
Which of the following best describes 'deviant' behavior?
What does the term 'maladaptive' refer to in the context of abnormal behavior?
What does the term 'maladaptive' refer to in the context of abnormal behavior?
Which theoretical approach primarily focuses on the brain, genetics, and neurotransmitters?
Which theoretical approach primarily focuses on the brain, genetics, and neurotransmitters?
What does the Vulnerability Stress Hypothesis suggest?
What does the Vulnerability Stress Hypothesis suggest?
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Which approach considers cultural norms as potentially limiting and prejudiced?
Which approach considers cultural norms as potentially limiting and prejudiced?
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What is a critique of the DSM classification system?
What is a critique of the DSM classification system?
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Which of the following is an example of personal distress as defined in abnormal behavior?
Which of the following is an example of personal distress as defined in abnormal behavior?
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What is the focus of the biological approach to psychological disorders?
What is the focus of the biological approach to psychological disorders?
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Study Notes
Abnormal Behavior
- Defined as deviant, maladaptive, or personally distressful behavior lasting over a prolonged period.
- Deviant Behavior: Does not conform to societal norms and can vary across cultures.
- Maladaptive Behavior: Interferes with functionality and may pose danger to self or others.
- Personal Distress: Long-term feelings of distress, such as shame or guilt, leading to harmful behaviors (e.g., self-induced vomiting).
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorders
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Biological Approach: Focuses on organic and internal causes linked to brain functioning, genetics, and neurotransmitters.
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Medical Model: Views psychological disorders as medical diseases with biological origins impacting thoughts, behaviors, and interactions.
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Psychological Approach: Emphasizes the role of personal experiences, thoughts, emotions, and personality, often linked to childhood trauma.
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Sociocultural Approach: Considers how social and cultural contexts influence mental health. Cultural norms can lead to misconceptions about mental illness.
- Example: Individuals interpreting protests as signs of mental illness due to cultural misunderstandings.
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Biopsychological Model: Integrates psychological and sociocultural factors, recognizing both can lead to normal or abnormal behaviors.
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Vulnerability-Stress Hypothesis (Diathesis-Stress Model): Suggests that genetic factors, personality traits, or past experiences increase the risk for developing psychological disorders, highlighted in the gene-environment interaction (G x E).
Classifying Psychological Disorders
- Classification System: Organizes specific behaviors into defined psychological disorders.
- DSM Classification System: Developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for mental health professionals.
Critiques of Classification
- Overemphasis on individual problems without broader context.
- Heavy reliance on societal norms that may not apply universally.
- Introduction of numerous new disorder categories lacking substantial research support.
Key Concepts
- Somatic Symptom Disorder: Formerly somatoform disorder, characterized by experiencing physical symptoms without a medical cause.
- Comorbidity: Presence of two or more psychological disorders in an individual, such as anxiety combined with depression.
- Risk Factors: Traits or experiences that increase the likelihood of developing a psychological disorder.
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Description
Explore the definitions and theories surrounding abnormal behavior in this quiz. Understand the concepts of deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressful behaviors, along with the various theoretical approaches to psychological disorders. Test your knowledge on how biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influence mental health.