What is Abnormal Psychology?

The scientific study of abnormal behavior to describe, predict, explain, and change abnormal patterns of functioning.

What are the four common features of psychological abnormality?

Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, Danger (4Ds).

What does 'Deviance' refer to in the context of psychological abnormality?

Behaviors, thoughts, or emotions that deviate from social norms and societal values.

How can social norms affect the perception of deviance?

Social norms change over time, influencing what is considered normal or abnormal behavior.

What is 'Distress' in psychological terms?

Behavior, ideas, or emotions that cause distress to the individual or others.

What does 'Dysfunction' mean in the context of abnormal behavior?

Abnormal behavior that interferes with daily functioning and activities.

What is meant by 'Danger' in the assessment of psychological abnormality?

The potential risk an individual poses to themselves or others.

What is the significance of self-awareness in assessing danger?

Some individuals may not be aware of the risks they pose to themselves or others.

What characteristics define eccentrics?

Nonconformity, creativity, curiosity, idealism, extreme interests, high intelligence, and unusual habits.

How does society define abnormality?

By selecting general criteria and applying them, though this approach can be inconsistent.

What are some limitations of defining psychological abnormality?

Criteria can be vague, subjective, and interpreted differently by various clinicians.

What is the role of therapy in treating abnormal behavior?

Therapy aims to change abnormal behavior into more normal behavior, though methods and goals may vary among clinicians.

What historical views existed regarding abnormality?

Abnormal behavior was often seen as the work of evil spirits, leading to treatments like trephination and exorcism.

What was Hippocrates' view on abnormal behavior?

He believed that illness had natural causes and sought to correct imbalances in the four bodily humors.

What are the four humors according to Hippocrates?

Blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile, each associated with different emotional states.

What was the impact of demonology during the Middle Ages?

Abnormality was viewed as a conflict between good and evil, leading to demonological treatments.

How did the Renaissance influence the treatment of mental disorders?

Demonological views declined, and there was a growing belief that the mind could be sick like the body.

What were asylums like during the Renaissance?

Patients were often treated poorly, with inhumane methods and devices used to control them.

What is the significance of the scientist/practitioner model in abnormal psychology?

It emphasizes the integration of scientific research and clinical practice in understanding and treating abnormal behavior.

What does the term 'psychopathology' refer to?

The study of psychological disorders and abnormal behaviors.

Why is it important to consider cultural context in defining dysfunction?

Cultural norms influence perceptions of what constitutes normal personal hygiene and daily functioning.

What are some common misconceptions about psychological abnormality?

Not all diagnosed individuals experience negative psychopathology; some may have positive traits.

What is the importance of evidence in therapy?

Evidence indicates that therapy can be beneficial for many individuals experiencing psychological distress.

What challenges exist in determining when to end therapy?

Clinicians may have differing opinions on the success of treatment and when it is appropriate to conclude therapy.

What historical treatments were used for severe abnormality?

Trephination and exorcism were common methods to expel evil spirits believed to cause abnormal behavior.

How did ancient societies view abnormal behavior?

They often attributed it to possession by evil spirits and sought to drive out these spirits through various means.

What was the purpose of religious shrines across Europe?

They were devoted to the humane and loving treatment of people with mental disorders.

What issue arose with asylums in the treatment of the mentally ill?

The mentally ill became virtual prisoners due to overcrowding.

What movement began to improve the treatment of people with mental disorders in the nineteenth century?

Advocacy for more moral treatment emerged.

Who were two key figures in the moral treatment movement?

Philippe Pinel (France) and William Tuke (England).

What was the somatogenic perspective?

It posits that abnormal functioning has physical causes.

What two factors contributed to the rebirth of the somatogenic perspective?

Fatigue and untreated syphilis.

What is the psychogenic perspective?

It suggests that abnormal functioning has psychological causes.

Which techniques were developed from the psychogenic perspective?

Hypnotism and psychoanalysis.

What are psychotropic medications?

Medications used to treat mental health disorders, such as antipsychotic, antidepressant, and antianxiety drugs.

What significant change occurred in the 1950s regarding mental health care?

The deinstitutionalization of people in the United States.

What are some problems associated with the shift to outpatient care?

Wrong diagnosis, overmedication, stigmatization, and homelessness.

What is the community mental health approach?

It aims to correct social conditions that underlie psychological problems and help individuals at risk for developing disorders.

What does positive psychology focus on?

The promotion of positive feelings and resilience.

What is multicultural psychology?

A field that studies how culture, race, ethnicity, and gender affect behavior and thought.

What professionals offer help to people with psychological problems?

Therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, doctors, social workers, nurses, and psychologists.

What are the three methods of investigation used by clinical researchers?

Case study, correlational method, and experimental method.

What is a case study?

An in-depth interpretive description of a person's life and psychological problems.

What is the correlation method?

A research procedure used to determine the co-relationships between variables.

What does a positive correlation indicate?

As one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

What is the purpose of epidemiological studies?

To reveal the incidence and prevalence of a disorder in a particular population.

What is the difference between incidence and prevalence?

Incidence refers to the number of new cases that emerge in a given period, while prevalence refers to the total number of cases in a given period.

What is an experimental method in research?

A method where a variable is manipulated to observe its effect on another variable.

What is a confound in research?

Something other than the variables that can affect the outcome of an experiment.

What is the purpose of a control group?

To provide a baseline comparison for the experimental group.

What is the significance of random assignment in experiments?

It ensures that every participant has an equal probability of being assigned to any group, reducing bias.

What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

An ethics committee that protects the rights and safety of human research participants.

What rights do participants have in research studies?

Voluntary participation, informed consent, the right to end participation at any time, and protection from harm.