Psychology: Elements of Abnormal Behavior

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of the definition of abnormal behaviour?

Biological and physiological factors

Social norms and values (correct)

The individual's personal experience

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

What is a key aspect of dysfunction in abnormal behaviour?

Impacting the individual's social relationships

Causing physical harm to oneself or others

Experiencing emotional distress

Impacting the individual's daily life and functioning (correct)

What is the significance of the 95% threshold in defining statistically rare behaviour?

It is the benchmark for determining social norms

It is the percentage of people who do not exhibit the behaviour (correct)

It is the minimum percentage required for a behaviour to be considered abnormal

It is the threshold for determining clinical significance

What is the relationship between distress and dysfunction in abnormal behaviour?

Distress and dysfunction are independent elements of abnormal behaviour Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of considering the accumulation of all elements when defining abnormal behaviour?

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the behaviour Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the biological perspective in understanding mental illness?

The identification of biological causes and medical treatment Signup and view all the answers

According to the psychoanalytic perspective, what is the primary driver of human behavior?

Unconscious drives of sex and aggression Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of the biological perspective in understanding mental illness?

The evidence for biological causation is often inconclusive Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of treatment in the psychoanalytic perspective?

To help individuals understand and resolve unconscious conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What is a key assumption of the behavioral perspective?

Behavior is the result of conditioning and learning Signup and view all the answers

What is a major critique of the psychoanalytic perspective?

It lacks scientific rigor and evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the biological perspective in the early 20th century?

The use of electroconvulsive therapy and psychosurgery Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between the psychoanalytic and behavioral perspectives?

The focus on behavior versus thoughts and feelings Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the biological perspective in terms of treatment?

Treatments often show low success rates and high relapse rates Signup and view all the answers

What is a key development in the biological perspective in recent years?

The development of psychopharmacological treatments for a wide range of disorders Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elements of a Disorder

Abnormal behavior is characterized by rarity, deviation, distress, and dysfunction
These elements stem from an underlying issue within the individual
The disturbance has clinical significance and affects cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior
Classification and definition are governed by regulatory systems, such as the DSM

Defining Abnormal Behavior

Statistically rare behavior is uncommon, occurring in less than 5% of the population
Deviation from the norm is negatively evaluated by society
Normality is socially constructed and defined, and what is considered abnormal changes over time and place
Distress refers to the individual's experience of discomfort or suffering
Dysfunction impairs daily life

Perspectives on Abnormal Behavior

Biological Perspective

The oldest perspective, assuming mental illness is a biological progressive disease
Biological causes are treated with biological methods
Assumptions include:
- One biological progressive disease
- Several different diseases
- Bacterial/viral/toxic agents
- Brain damage/abnormality
Limitations and critiques include:
- Inconclusive evidence for biological causation
- Low success rates and high relapse rates for treatments
- Underestimation of side effects
- Claims of overuse of medication
- Constrained within the medical model

Psychoanalytic Perspective

Developed by Freud, focusing on underlying psychological processes
Assumes unconscious drives, including sex and aggression
ID, EGO, and SUPEREGO principles guide behavior
Focuses on conflict and defense mechanisms
Abnormal and normal behavior are considered on a continuum
Limitations and critiques include:
- Lack of scientific rigor and evidence
- Un-testable theories using modern methods
- Lack of clear definable concepts
- Difficult to demonstrate treatment success

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on observable behavior and stimulus-response relationships
Assumes behavior is the result of conditioning
Normal and abnormal behaviors are the product of learning
Treatment involves learning new behaviors
Limitations and critiques include:
- Limited focus on internal factors
- Lack of consideration for individual differences

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Description

This quiz covers the key elements of abnormal behavior, including deviation, distress, and dysfunction, as defined by the DSM. It also explores the factual and value judgement components of abnormal behavior.