Abnormal Psych Exam #1

Psychopathology

Scientific study of psych dysfunction

Supernatural Tradition

Deviant behavior; battle of good v evil

• Believed to be caused by demonic possession, witchcraft, sorcery

Treatments included exorcism, torture, & religious services, shocking/scaring

Biological Tradition

Hippocrates (460-377 BC)

• Father of modern Western medicine

• Etiology of mental disorders = physical disease'

Humoral theory

Functioning related too much/too little of 4 key bodily fluids

• Blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile

• Example: Depression caused by too much black bile

Psychological Tradition

• Rise of moral therapy

• Main idea: Treat patients as normally as possible in normal environment

• Encouraged and reinforced social interaction

Freudian Theory

• Theory: Id (Pleasure principle), Superego (moral principles), Ego (Rational; mediates between id/superego)

Psychosexual Stages of Development

oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages

Humanistic Theory

• Theoretical constructs

Carl Rogers (1902-1987)

• PCT (Person centered therapy)

Behavioral Therapy

• Creating new associations by practicing new behavioral habits, and/or reinforcing useful behaviors w/ positive consequences

• Time limited & direct

Example: Joseph Wolfe (1915-1997)

Systematic Desensitization: Individuals gradually exposed to fears (usually through imagination) while practicing relaxation exercises

How do psychologists define a psychological disorder?

A psychological disorder is (1) a psychological dysfunction that is (2) associated with distress or impairment in functioning and (3) a response that is not typical or culturally expected.
- all three criteria must be met

What is a scientist-practitioner?

students are trained to become producers of scientific knowledge, use scientifically valid methods and tools in practice, and conduct practice-based research

How do psychological approaches including psychoanalysis, humanism, and
behaviorism explain abnormal behavior?

• Psychoanalysis: Abnormal behavior comes from unconscious conflicts (often childhood-based). Treatment = making the unconscious conscious through insight.

• Humanism: Abnormal behavior results from blocked self-actualization and incongruence between real vs. ideal self. Treatment = supportive, nonjudgmental therapy to foster growth.

• Behaviorism: Abnormal behavior is learned maladaptive behavior through conditioning and reinforcement. Treatment = relearning via behavioral techniques (e.g., exposure, reinforcement).