...Discuss two or more definitions of abnormality (12 marks) One definition of abnormality is “deviation from social norms” and under this definition a person’s thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the unwritten rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour in a particular social group. Behaviour may be incomprehensible to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable. For example, someone would be classified as being abnormal if they laughed at a funeral, as this is socially unacceptable. A weakness of this definition is that it lacks cultural relativity as social behaviour varies when different cultures are compared. For e.g. it’s common in south Europe to stand much closer to strangers than in the UK. As well as this voice pitch and volume, touching, directions of gaze and acceptable subjects for discussion have all been found to vary between cultures. This means what is considered deviant or abnormal varies considerably across cultures, thus weakening this definition. Another limitation of deviation from social norms is that it lacks time validity. This is because social norms change over time; behaviour that was once seen as abnormal may be acceptable and vice versa. For example, drink driving was once considered acceptable but is now seen as socially unacceptable whereas homosexuality has changed the other way. Until 1980 homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder but is considered acceptable today. This is a weakness...
Words: 3190 - Pages: 13
...Discuss two or more definitions of abnormality (12 marks) One definition of abnormality is “deviation from social norms” and under this definition a person’s thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the unwritten rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour in a particular social group. Behaviour may be incomprehensible to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable. For example, someone would be classified as being abnormal if they laughed at a funeral, as this is socially unacceptable. A weakness of this definition is that it lacks cultural relativity as social behaviour varies when different cultures are compared. For e.g. it’s common in south Europe to stand much closer to strangers than in the UK. As well as this voice pitch and volume, touching, directions of gaze and acceptable subjects for discussion have all been found to vary between cultures. This means what is considered deviant or abnormal varies considerably across cultures, thus weakening this definition. Another limitation of deviation from social norms is that it lacks time validity. This is because social norms change over time; behaviour that was once seen as abnormal may be acceptable and vice versa. For example, drink driving was once considered acceptable but is now seen as socially unacceptable whereas homosexuality has changed the other way. Until 1980 homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder but is considered acceptable today. This is a weakness because...
Words: 3191 - Pages: 13
...Discuss the behavioural approach to explaining psychological abnormalities (12 marks) The behavioural approach focuses on the behaviour of an individual in order to explain psychological problems. Behaviourists claim that abnormal behaviour is learned through experiences in the same way as most other behaviour through classical and operant conditioning. Behaviourists believe the concept of classical conditioning can be used to explain the development of many abnormal behaviours, including phobias and taste aversions. The theory of classical conditioning is used to explain how behaviour is learnt through ‘stimulus-response’ associations. An event in the environment (stimulus) results in a physiological reaction (response) in the individual. Then the events and reactions are forged into an association which can lead to the development of phobias. For example a person may climb the top of a high hill and when looking down (environmental stimulus) may experience nausea or dizziness (physiological response). This then will be made into a stimulus-response association and will lead to the development of a phobia e.g. the fear of heights, which means the person, will be scared of heights and will avoid them whenever possible. Watson and Rayner demonstrated how phobias are learnt through conditioning in their experiment involving “Little Albert”. They experimented with an 11-month-old boy, ‘little Albert’, producing fear of a white rat by associating it with loud and frightful noise...
Words: 1024 - Pages: 5
...African-American women of a predominately white institution a chance to discuss issues that are impacting their experience at the University of Denver. In hope that acknowledging these issues that Black and African-American women endure will create a sense of hope and empowerment. This dialogue will identify resource for success and build a safe inviting community among women of color on a predominately white institution. The societal concerns being discuss can bridge the understanding of the oppressed women of color. These women typically face systematic and institutional oppression and discrimination. Infractions, such as these, can play a large role of possible cognitive distortions. This particular retreat can also provide insight on how one may handle traumatic experiences. The infractions may unconsciously cause traumatic stress disorder (post and acute), depression and social phobias. These experiences may also lead to a multitude of mental disorders depending on the severity of the experience....
Words: 781 - Pages: 4
... Borderline Personality Disorder AbstractThe DSM-IV is widely used in the mental health field. Some of its many uses include providinga common language among professionals about psychopathology and delineating criteria for diagnosing individuals with mental disorders. This paper explores the purpose, history, andlimitations of the DSM diagnostic approach. A case study is provided and the DSM-IV-TR isused to diagnosis borderline personality disorder. The disorder is described and an empirically- based treatment plan is offered.2 Borderline Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder: DSM Diagnosing and Empirically-Based TreatmentThe APA (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is widelyused by mental health professionals. It provides a common language about psychopathologyamong clinicians, researchers, students, and other mental health professionals. Since its inceptioninto the field of mental health, it has made a huge impact on clinical practice, research, andeducation. Although it has advanced the field of mental health, there is still criticism of theDSM classification system. Despite its limitations, it continues to be considered an importantreference for mental health professionals. This paper will explore the DSM’s use within the fieldof psychopathology. Then it will be applied to a case study of a 15 year-old girl with mentalhealth concerns including a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Her symptoms will bedescribed, criteria...
Words: 4004 - Pages: 17
...atmosphere. I will also provide a description pertaining to the different psychological perspectives in relation to abnormal and normal behavior. Finally, I will discuss whether labeling a person “normal” is appropriate or not. Abnormal Psychology and Defining Abnormal and Normal There are many different branches in the field of psychology, including abnormal psychology. This branch deals with abnormal behaviors and psychopathology (Cherry, 2013). Abnormal p [psychology covers a wide range of different disorders; depression, obsession-compulsive disorders (OCD), to sexual deviation (Cherry, 2013). This branch looks at looks at different modes of stress or distractions that cause a person to act in a particular manner (McLeod, 2008). For instance, a person’s behavior that interferes with their daily life routine, working or taking care of their children, creates a need to address this behavior. To understand this concept better one needs to get a better realization of the terms “normal” and “abnormal.” When thinking about the two terms one would think the answer to such a question, like what is normal or vice versa, is a simple response. But, in actuality it is a little more complex than that. Behaviors are deemed normal or the other by looking at behaviors of a group, age or gender (Cherry, 2013). The Bell curve is an approach that uses statistical information to determine the normalcy of one’s...
Words: 1475 - Pages: 6
...“Evaluate the extent to which Freud's theory of psychosexual development can help us to understand a client's presenting issue.” The main aim of this essay is to demonstrate an understanding of Freud’s theory of psychosexual development and how this theory may help us to explain and identify adult neurotic behaviour. I shall be evaluating the pros and cons of psychosexual theory and the extent to which it helps us to understand a client’s presenting issue. I shall also define and consider the relationship between the Id, Ego and Superego and the way in which these constructs of our psyche are in many ways representative of earlier experiences and of those early situations and conflicts we had faced. Lastly, I will examine some of the criticisms that have been leveled at Freudian theory in order to evaluate it. In Freudian psychology, psychosexual development is a central element of the psychoanalytic sexual drive theory; that human beings, from birth, possess an instinctual libido (sexual energy), that develops in five stages. Each stage – the oral, the anal, the phallic, the latent, and the genital – is characterized by the erogenous zone that is the source of the libidinal drive. Sigmund Freud proposed that if the child experienced sexual frustration in relation to any psychosexual developmental stage, s/he would experience anxiety that would persist into adulthood as a neurosis, a functional mental disorder Freud (1905) stressed that the first five years of life are...
Words: 2151 - Pages: 9
...Abnormal Psychology Test #2 Study Guide with Answers TRUE/FALSE 1. Most people with mental disorders behave in a highly irrational or dangerous manner. ANS: F 2. People who are strange, weird, or bizarre have a mental disorder. ANS: F 3. People with mental disorders are strange, unusual, and noticeably different than other people. ANS: F 4. 5. There can be no universal definition of abnormality. ANS: T 6. Ideas about what are normal and abnormal vary over time and across cultures. ANS: T 7. Abnormal behaviors and feelings are often exaggerations of normal states. ANS: T 8. Normal behaviors can be categorized as distinctly different from abnormal behaviors. ANS: F 9. Every human being experiences at least mild versions of the feelings and behaviors that are found in mental disorders. ANS: T 10. Most mental disorders have both psychological and biological causes. ANS: T 11. If a disorder can be treated with medication, that disorder must be caused by a physical problem. ANS: F 12. Every emotional and behavior has both a psychological and a biological aspect. ANS: T 13. Cognitive therapy is based on the belief that problematic emotions and behaviors can be changed by modifying problematic thoughts. ANS: T 14. A classification system is only useful when its categories consistently and accurately fit the phenomena being classified. ANS: T 15. A classification system is only useful...
Words: 2092 - Pages: 9
...PYC4802/101/0/2015 Tutorial letter 101/0/2015 Psychopathology PYC4802 Year module Department of Psychology IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This tutorial letter contains important information about your module. CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Turorial material ....................................................................................................... 4 2. PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE ......................................... 4 2.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................... 4 2.2 Outcomes ................................................................................................................ 4 3. LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS ............................................................ 6 3.1 Lecturer(s) ............................................................................................................... 6 3.2 Department .............................................................................................................. 7 3.3 University ................................................................................................................. 7 4. MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES ....................................................................... 7 4.1 Prescribed book.....
Words: 20674 - Pages: 83
...others, and breaks major rules; they also exhibit aggressive behaviors that threaten physical violence, theft, property damage, or attempting to run away. Often times their continued AWOL behaviors and being a flight risk is what gets them place in a level 14 facility. A client with a Conduct Disorder is often times resentful and short-tempered. The basis of Conduct Disorder is a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Treatment plans should include behavior therapy with the client, family therapy, if they family is involved and medication support from a psychiatrist. In this paper the author will discuss treatment and intervention strategies to work with people who have this disorder. In addition, the author will describe the theoretical basis for the approaches, present how the counselor would work individually with the client, and discuss outcome research. Current approaches Children who display conduct disorder behaviors should obtain an evaluation. Many adolescent clients with a conduct disorder have parallel conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, and ADHD which can also be addressed. Research illustrates that adolescents with conduct disorder are likely to have continuous problems if...
Words: 1414 - Pages: 6
...and discuss how and why you have, at this point in your development, formed your viewpoint(s). Your response must include the following elements: 1. Presentation of the Person-Centered model 2. Your view of helping and how your chosen model fits within your viewpoint 3. The relationship between the clinician and the participant as it relates to Person-Centered model 4. Techniques or approaches to change as indicated in the Person-Centered model 5. The kinds of problems that can be addressed with Person-Centered model 6. The population(s) that this Person-Centeredmodel can help 7. Limitations and strengths of the Person-Centeredmodel 8. Multicultural issues related to the Person-Centeredmodel Paper must show adequate understanding of the material presented in the workshop, and reflect your ability to integrate and synthesize the course material. • Created: • Jun 01, 2009 11:15 am • Solution By Expert: • Departed Expert Solutiongo to problem One approach to help you with an assignment like this one is to address each question, which you can then draw on for your final copy. This is the approach that this response takes. I also attached a helpful APA resource. Let's take a closer look. RESPONSE: 1. Presentation of the Person-Centered model This approach was first developed by the late Dr Carl Rogers (1902 - 1987). Person-centered therapy, which is also known as client-centered, non-directive, or Rogerian therapy, is an approach to...
Words: 2389 - Pages: 10
...biological abnormalities of one sort or another. (Davies, and Bhugra2004). According to Barker (2003) a therapeutic alliance is a situation in which patient and psychotherapists are bound together in working towards mutual communication and understanding. This means that the professional hopes to engage with and effect change in a patient. In addition, Gabbard (1994) noted that the essence of therapy is a transaction between two collaborating human beings with the goal of helping the patients, and that there is no right treatment approach. Different theoretical models and treatments strategies may apply flexibly over the course of treatment. This essay will compare and contrast humanistic approach and cognitive behaviour approach, and discuss their relevance to psychiatric nursing practice. Both approaches will be applied to the management of anxiety. The humanistic approach According to Bugental (1967), the humanistic approach is concerned with the human dimension of psychology and the human context for the development of psychological theory. Human beings cannot be reduced to components, they have in them a uniquely human context and consciousness which includes an awareness of oneself in the context of other people. Human beings have choices and non-desired responsibilities and they are intentional, seek meaning, value and creativity....
Words: 3084 - Pages: 13
...psychology Course Description Effective Fall 2013 AP Course Descriptions are updated regularly. Please visit AP Central ® (apcentral.collegeboard.org) to determine whether a more recent Course Description PDF is available. The College Board The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of more than 5,900 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org. AP Equity and Access Policy The College Board strongly encourages educators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs by giving all willing and academically prepared students the opportunity to participate in AP. We encourage the elimination of barriers that restrict access to AP for students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that have been traditionally underserved. Schools should ...
Words: 8273 - Pages: 34
...Personality Disorders-Fact or Fiction? Personality disorders are challenging to diagnose and therefore are difficult to treat; so they shouldn’t be included as a diagnostic category. I will discuss how diagnosis and studying the causation of personality disorders are challenging. Also how treatment of personality disorders is difficult will be discussed to support my argument of not including personality disorders as a diagnostic category. Research information that will support my argument will be discussed also. If personality disorders are to be considered as a diagnostic category, they should have a clear defined criteria of what each personality disorder is. The Challenges in Diagnosing Personality Disorders Distinct care is in command concerning the identification of personality disorders because more misidentifications possibly happen here than in any other classification of disorder. There are various explanations for this. One issue is that analytic standards for personality disorders are not as distinctly explained as they are for most Axis I analytic classifications, so they are frequently not easy to follow in practice or exact. For example, it might be challenging to identify dependably whether a person sustains a given standard for dependent personality disorder such as “has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others“ or “goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others...
Words: 3040 - Pages: 13
...this paper will be to highlight the differentiation, diagnosis and treatment of this specific pathological personality disorder. According to the DSM, Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for by others that usually lead to clingy and fears of separation. In professional counseling it is critical that clinicians understand the root causes of DPD and how this disorder can manifest in women. This disorder can be found in both men and women, but research seems to suggest that women are more likely to suffer from this disorder. Therefore, understanding the pathology of DPD and its diagnosis and treatment will be critical to professionals working with women. This paper will also discuss how clinicians should be cautious when making diagnosis in women who present with DPD and knowing what gender and culture factors that exists. Dependent Personality Disorder in Women Clinical Definition of Dependent Personality Disorder According to the DSM-IV-TR (2000), Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for by another person that usually lead to clingy and fears of separation. DPD as outlined in the DSM-IV-TR is considered the formal diagnosis of DPD needed for insurance, research, and communication between mental health professionals. When diagnosing this disorder, clinicians want to pay particular attention to the diagnostic criteria that may include the following:...
Words: 4909 - Pages: 20
