Abnormal Psychology: Definitions, Models, and Assessment Techniques

Abnormal Psychology

Scientific study of psychopathology.

Aims of Abnormal Psychology

Describe, Explain, Predict, Modify abnormal behavior.

DSM-5

Behavioral/psychological syndrome that reflects psychobiological dysfunction, causes distress/disability, not just expected response.

4 D's of Abnormality

Distress, Deviance, Dysfunction, Dangerousness.

Distress

Physical/psychological discomfort.

Deviance

Unusual or bizarre behavior.

Dysfunction

Inability to perform normal roles.

Dangerousness

Risk of harm to self/others.

Cultural Universality

Disorders manifest the same across groups.

Cultural Relativism

Normal/abnormal depends on cultural context.

Thomas Szasz

Mental illness is a myth.

Drapetomania

Enslaved people wanting freedom labeled as mentally ill.

Epidemiology

Study of the prevalence and incidence of disorders.

Prevalence

% currently affected.

Lifetime Prevalence

% who have ever had it.

Incidence

Number of new cases.

Key Facts

25% U.S. adults have diagnosable disorder; Only ⅓ of severe cases treated.

Stereotypes of Mental Illness

Myths: always recognizable, untreatable, unstable/dangerous.

Multipath Model

Incorporates biological, psychological, social, sociocultural.

Biological Dimension

Includes genetics, neurobiology, neuroplasticity, and brain regions.

Diathesis-Stress Theory

Predisposition triggered by environment.

Epigenetics

Environment alters gene expression.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Focuses on unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on learning and observable behavior.

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on mental frameworks and thought processes.

Humanistic/Existential Perspective

Focuses on self-actualization and life challenges.

Social Dimension

Relationships shape functioning and family systems.

Sociocultural Dimension

Factors: race, gender, age, SES, sexual orientation, religion, immigrant status, disability.

Multicultural model

Cultural context shapes development; stressors in society (e.g., racism, sexism) → distress.

Criticism of Multicultural model

Some argue 'disorder is disorder' regardless of culture.

Assessment

Process of gathering info on traits, abilities, emotional/social functioning.

Reliability

Consistency.

Validity

Accuracy.

Standardization

Uniform rules, comparable samples.

Observation

Methods include controlled (lab/clinic) and naturalistic (school, home).

Limitation of Observation

Reactivity (behavior changes when observed).

Interviews

Collect history, problems, coping, personality; analyze verbal/nonverbal behavior.

Mental status exam

Includes appearance, speech, judgment, memory, thought.

Structured vs. unstructured interviews

Structured is standardized, research; unstructured allows clinical flexibility.

Projective tests

Examples include Rorschach, TAT, sentence completion, draw-a-person.

Limitations of Projective tests

Subjective, low reliability/validity.

Self-report tests

Examples include MMPI-3, Beck Depression Inventory.

Limitation of Self-report tests

Cultural bias, limited responses.

Intelligence tests

Examples include WAIS, WISC, WPPSI.

Criticisms of Intelligence tests

Cultural bias, poor predictive validity, ignores multiple intelligences.

Cognitive impairment tests

Examples include Bender-Gestalt, Halstead-Reitan, Luria-Nebraska.

Neurological tests

Includes CT, MRI (structural); fMRI, PET, EEG, MEG (functional).

DSM-5-TR

Over 300 disorders, includes dimensional models and severity ratings.

ICD-11

International system, covers all conditions.

Concerns in Classification

Labeling → stigma, self-fulfilling prophecy; pharmaceutical/insurance pressures.

Ethics in Assessment

Includes confidentiality, privacy, client welfare, avoid cultural bias.

Scientific Method

Inquiry = systematic data collection, controlled observation, hypothesis testing.

Hypothesis

Predictive statement.

Theory

Organized set of principles; must be testable, self-correcting.

Research Process

Steps include defining topic, reviewing literature, defining variables, hypothesis, strategy, conducting study, analyzing data, reporting results.

Replication

Ensures findings aren't flukes.