Psychopathology: Definitions of Abnormality
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What is the main limitation of Ellis' ABC model of depression?

  • It cannot explain all types of depression, particularly those without a clear activating event. (correct)
  • It does not account for the impact of biological factors on depression.
  • It does not provide a practical application in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
  • It fails to acknowledge the role of faulty cognitions in the development of depression.

    • According to Beck's cognitive theory, what are the three components of the cognitive triad?

  • Negative thoughts about the self, the past, and the future.
  • Negative thoughts about the self, the future, and the world. (correct)
  • Negative thoughts about the self, the present, and the future.
  • Negative thoughts about the self, the world, and others.

    • What is a potential practical issue associated with the limitations of both Beck's cognitive theory and Ellis' ABC model?

  • Therapists may find it challenging to identify and challenge irrational thoughts.
  • Therapists may struggle to implement effective CBT techniques.
  • Patients may experience frustration that their symptoms cannot be explained or addressed. (correct)
  • Patients may struggle to understand the underlying causes of their depression.

    • How does Beck's CBT aim to address depression?

    <p>By identifying and challenging irrational thoughts, promoting positive behaviors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of labeling someone with a mental health disorder, even if their condition has minimal impact on their life?

    <p>It can create a stigma that leads to discrimination and prejudice. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the 'cognitive triad', as defined by Beck's cognitive therapy?

    <p>A pattern of negative thoughts about the self, the future, and the world. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key point the text makes about the 'deviation from social norms' definition of abnormality?

    <p>It can lead to subjective and culturally biased diagnoses, influencing how mental health is understood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the effectiveness of CBT support the theoretical basis of both Beck's cognitive theory and Ellis' ABC model?

    <p>By providing evidence that cognitive factors play a crucial role in depression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example provided in the text to illustrate the potential for cultural bias in mental health diagnoses?

    <p>The historical use of the term 'nymphomania' to categorize women who exhibited sexual attraction to working-class men. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between Beck's cognitive theory and Ellis' ABC model?

    <p>Beck's theory emphasizes the role of negative self-schemas, while Ellis' model focuses on irrational beliefs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does cognitive therapy aim to test the reality of a patient's beliefs?

    <p>By having the patients track and document their experiences, such as instances of kindness received. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main point of the example about the hearing of voices, or 'hallucinations', in African and Asian cultures?

    <p>Different cultures have varying interpretations of mental health symptoms, leading to potential discrepancies in diagnoses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following concepts is most closely aligned with the idea of 'deviation from ideal mental health' as a definition of abnormality?

    <p>An emphasis on promoting mental well-being and positive functioning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the text?

    <p>To explore the complexities of understanding and diagnosing mental health across different cultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's main argument about the 'deviation from social norms' definition of abnormality?

    <p>It is a flawed definition that can lead to culturally biased and subjective diagnoses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What point does the text make about the relationship between mental health disorders and social norms?

    <p>Social norms can significantly influence the understanding and diagnosis of mental health disorders. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main idea of the diathesis-stress model in relation to OCD?

    <p>A combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors is required for OCD development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the provided text, what is the main issue with Jahoda's definition of abnormality?

    <p>It is too narrow and exclusive. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of self-actualization, as presented in the text, is most likely to be accepted in which type of culture?

    <p>Individualistic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of the finding that 37% of OCD patients had parents with OCD and 21% had siblings with OCD?

    <p>It supports a genetic link to OCD, indicating a higher likelihood of developing the disorder within families. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the fact that multiple genes contribute to the development of OCD?

    <p>Polygenic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why avoidance behavior associated with phobias is considered negatively reinforced?

    <p>It reduces anxiety by avoiding the phobic stimulus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following physiological responses is NOT directly attributed to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during a panic response?

    <p>Increased blood flow to the digestive system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential issue with the identification of over 230 candidate genes for OCD?

    <p>It makes it challenging to determine which genes are most influential and therefore target for treatments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neurotransmitters are specifically linked to mood regulation and are implicated in OCD?

    <p>Dopamine and Serotonin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the text, which of the following could be considered a limitation of using deviation from social norms as a method for defining abnormalities?

    <p>It relies heavily on subjective interpretations of what is considered normal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main physiological response triggered by the hypothalamus during a phobic panic response?

    <p>Increased activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the gene implicated in the efficiency of serotonin transport across synapses, potentially contributing to OCD vulnerability?

    <p>5HT1-D beta (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'aetiologically heterogenous' in the context of OCD?

    <p>OCD has multiple and diverse origins, including both genetic and environmental factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key principle of flooding therapy?

    <p>It relies on the idea that prolonged anxiety is physically impossible, leading to the patient recognizing the stimulus as harmless. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes a key characteristic of phobias as explained in the text?

    <p>They involve a persistent and irrational fear of a specific object or situation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text suggests that the concept of self-actualization, as a criterion for mental health, might be considered problematic because:

    <p>It is a culturally specific concept that may not be universally applicable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a limitation of flooding therapy, according to the text?

    <p>It may not be appropriate for complex phobias, such as social phobias, due to the cognitive aspect involved. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the twin studies discussed in the text regarding OCD development?

    <p>They strongly suggest a genetic component to OCD due to the higher concordance rate in identical twins. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main argument for the cost-effectiveness of flooding therapy?

    <p>Flooding therapy is typically a short-term treatment, often leading to a quick resolution of the phobia. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key component of Beck's cognitive theory of depression?

    <p>Negative self-schemas, which cause individuals to interpret information about themselves and the world in a negative light. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the 'cognitive triad' referred to in the text, as proposed by Beck?

    <p>The interaction between negative thoughts about the self, the future, and the world, contributing to depression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the research by Grazioli and Terry suggest about Beck's cognitive theory of depression?

    <p>It supports Beck's theory by demonstrating a connection between cognitive vulnerability and the likelihood of developing depression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does understanding the cognitive basis of depression contribute to more effective treatments?

    <p>It enables therapists to identify and challenge irrational thoughts that contribute to depression. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key distinction between flooding therapy and cognitive therapy, as presented in the text?

    <p>Flooding therapy emphasizes exposure to the phobic stimulus, while cognitive therapy involves identifying and challenging underlying beliefs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary aim of Ellis's rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)?

    <p>To help patients identify and challenge irrational thoughts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of 'patient as scientist' relate to REBT?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main argument for behavioral activation in REBT?

    <p>It encourages patients to engage in activities that provide evidence against irrational beliefs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a limitation of CBT in treating depression?

    <p>CBT may not address underlying biological factors contributing to depression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most effective approach for treating depression?

    <p>A combination of antidepressants and CBT. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a possible explanation for why CBT may be less effective for individuals with severe depression?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential criticism of the cognitive approach to depression as described in the text?

    <p>It may overly simplify the causes of depression by focusing primarily on present challenges. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Ellis's REBT?

    <p>Emphasis on the importance of past experiences and trauma in the development of depression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Psychopathology

    • Psychopathology is the study of mental disorders
    • Definitions of abnormality are used to classify and categorize mental illnesses.

    Definitions of Abnormality

    • Statistical Infrequency: A behaviour is considered abnormal if it is rare or occurs less frequently than two standard deviations from the mean in a normal distribution. Statistical infrequency is often problematic when identifying disorders as normality is always relative to the population being studied. For example, a high IQ is statistically infrequent, but not an illness.
    • Deviation from Social Norms: This approach suggests that a behaviour is abnormal if it deviates from the generally accepted norms of a specific culture. These norms vary considerably across cultures. Thus, behaviour considered normal in one culture might be seen as abnormal in another.
    • Failure to Function Adequately: This definition of abnormality focuses on whether a person is able to live a normal life. In this context, a person is deemed abnormal if their behavior inhibits their ability to lead 'normal' lives, causing distress to themselves or others.
    • Deviation from Ideal Mental Health: This approach proposes the existence of criteria for optimal mental health. Any deviation from these ideals would be considered abnormal. However, this approach faces criticism for possessing unrealistic standards regarding 'ideal' health.

    Characteristics of Phobias

    • Behavioural:
      • Panic: characterized by heightened physiological arousal upon exposure to the phobic stimulus.
      • Avoidance: negatively reinforced behaviour to prevent encountering the trigger.
      • Endurance: Exposure to the phobic stimulus over an extended period, despite anxiety.
    • Emotional:
      • Anxiety: the emotional consequence of the physiological response to the phobic stimulus.
      • Irrationality: The anxiety towards the phobic stimulus is disproportionate to the actual threat.
    • Cognitive:
      • Selective Attention: Focus on the phobic stimulus, even when it causes significant distress.
      • Irrational Beliefs: Unreasonable interpretations of the phobic stimulus or danger posed by it.
      • Cognitive Distortions: an inaccurate perception of the phobic stimulus.

    Characteristics of Depression

    • Behavioural:
      • Changed activity levels (e.g., psychomotor agitation or retardation).
      • Aggression (verbal or physical).
      • Changes in eating and sleeping habits (e.g., insomnia or obesity).
    • Emotional:
      • Low self-esteem.
      • Persistent low mood (lasting for significant periods).
      • Increased levels of anger.

    Characteristics of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Behavioural:
      • Compulsions: Repetitive behaviours that alleviate anxiety.
      • Avoidance behaviours: Avoiding specific stimuli to prevent anxiety.
    • Emotional:
      • Guilt and disgust.
      • Depression (due to compulsion interference).
      • Anxiety
    • Cognitive:
      • Acknowledgement of irrational anxiety.
      • Cognitive strategies to cope with obsessions.
      • Obsessive thoughts

    Behavioural Approach to Explaining Phobias

    • Classical conditioning: This involves learning to associate a neutral stimulus (e.g., a white rat) with an aversive stimulus (e.g., a loud noise). Repeated pairings of the neutral stimulus and the aversive stimulus result in the neutral stimulus becoming a conditioned stimulus that triggers the conditioned response of fear. A common phobia example is a child being bitten by a dog, thus linking the dog to the fear response.
    • Operant conditioning: This involves learning avoidance behaviours due to fear and the relief of avoiding this fear. This behaviour is reinforced negatively by eliminating the fear and avoidance.

    Treatment of Phobias

    • Systematic Desensitisation: Gradually exposes the person to feared stimuli while simultaneously using relaxation techniques. This method helps to create a counter-response to the stimulus, replacing fear with relaxation.
    • Flooding: This involves exposing the person to the feared stimulus intensely and continuously until the fear response starts to decrease.

    Cognitive Approach to Explaining and Treating Depression

    • Negative cognitive triad: Negative thoughts about the self, the future, and the world.
    • Cognitive distortions: Faulty or biased information processing.
    • Automatic thoughts: Thoughts that automatically occur in response to a stimulus without conscious thought.
    • Beck's Cognitive Therapy: Helps identify and challenge negative thoughts and dysfunctional beliefs. This is in accordance to 'CBT' theory.
    • Ellis' Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy: This method aims to identify and challenge irrational beliefs to address the root of the depression.

    Biological Approach to Explaining and Treating OCD

    • Genetic predisposition: Inherited vulnerability to OCD.
    • Neurotransmitter imbalances: Imbalance in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.
    • Brain structure/function: Abnormal brain structures and functions linked to OCD.
    • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Medications that target serotonin levels, helping alleviate symptoms for many OCD patients.

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    AQA Psychology A-level Past Paper Psychopathology Notes PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the key definitions of abnormality in psychopathology. It covers statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, and failure to function adequately. Test your understanding of these concepts and their implications for mental disorder classification.

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