Abnormal Psychology Exam 1

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions in the study of abnormal psychology.

Abnormal Psychology

The branch of psychology that focuses on understanding abnormal behavior, emotional distress, and mental disorders, including their causes, assessment, and treatment.

Four D's of Abnormality

Criteria used to determine if behavior is abnormal: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger.

Deviance

Behavior that deviates from social norms.

Distress

Behavior that causes emotional pain to the person.

Dysfunction

Behavior that interferes with daily functioning.

Danger

Behavior that poses a risk to self or others.

Continuum of Abnormality

The idea that behavior exists on a continuum, where what is considered abnormal can vary by culture and context.

Assessment

Collecting detailed information to understand psychological problems.

Diagnosis

Identifying a psychological disorder based on established criteria.

Treatment Planning

Selecting appropriate interventions for psychological disorders.

Ongoing Evaluation

Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed.

Supernatural Perspective

A historical viewpoint where abnormal behavior is seen as possession or punishment by gods.

Biological Perspective

The view that disorders are seen as brain diseases treated medically.

Psychological Perspective

The focus on unconscious conflicts or learned behavior as explanations for abnormality.

Modern Perspective

An integration of multiple models to recognize various contributing factors to abnormal behavior.

Theoretical Model

A framework of assumptions that explains abnormal behavior and guides research.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association, demonstrated by Pavlov's experiments.

Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences, as demonstrated by Thorndike's law of effect.

Cognitive Perspective

Focus on internal mental processes and how people interpret information.

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasis on self-actualization and unconditional positive regard in psychological treatment.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A theory suggesting that psychological disorders develop from a predisposition combined with stress.

DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, which removed the multi-axial system used in DSM-IV.

Clinical Assessment

The process of collecting information to determine how and why a person behaves abnormally.

Reliability

The consistency of a test's results.

Validity

The accuracy of a test in measuring what it intends to measure.

Case Study Method

An in-depth study of one individual, providing rich detail but low generalizability.

Correlational Methods

Research methods that examine relationships between variables without determining causation.

Experimental Methods

Research methods that manipulate independent variables to determine cause and effect relationships.