Psychopathology - AQA Psychology under 20 MINS! *NEW* Quick Revision for Paper 1

Summary

This Psychopathology revision video condenses key concepts from longer videos, offering quick reminders on abnormality definitions, including deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, statistical infrequency, and ideal mental health. It discusses characteristics of phobias, depression, and OCD, alongside behavioral and cognitive explanations, as well as treatment methods such as CBT and drug therapies. The video also promotes the Psych Boost app for interactive learning and provides access to additional resources on Patreon, all aimed at supporting A-level Psychology students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video serves as a concise revision guide for Psychopathology, summarizing key points from longer videos.
• 📱 The Psych Boost app offers free access to flashcards for A-level Psychology topics and tutorial support on Patreon.
• 🔍 Abnormality is defined through various frameworks, including deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and statistical infrequency.
• 🌍 Social norms are culturally and contextually specific, and applying them universally can lead to inappropriate diagnoses, particularly for individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
• ⚖️ Failure to function adequately recognizes individual experiences, but may not account for those who can exploit societal norms for personal gain, like psychopaths.
• 📈 Statistical infrequency evaluates abnormality based on rarity, but does not consider that some rare traits, such as high IQ, are not inherently negative.
• 🌱 The deviation from ideal mental health outlines characteristics for optimal well-being, but the strict criteria can make many individuals appear abnormal.
• 😟 Phobias involve behavioral avoidance and intense emotional responses, with cognitive components such as irrational fears and distorted beliefs.
• 💡 The behavioral approach explains phobias through classical and operant conditioning, emphasizing learned associations.
• 🧠 The cognitive model of depression highlights irrational thoughts and negative schemas, leading to cognitive distortions and pervasive sadness.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Psychopathology revision video?

The purpose of the Psychopathology revision video is to provide a summarized version of key points from longer Psychopathology videos, serving as a quick reminder for viewers who may need a brief overview.

What alternative resources are mentioned for further study?

For further study, viewers are directed to the Psych Boost app, which offers flashcards for testing knowledge, as well as tutorial support videos and resources available on the creator's Patreon page.

How does the definition of abnormality differ according to social norms?

Abnormality according to social norms is defined as behaviors that deviate from unwritten societal expectations, which can vary based on culture, time, and context. This definition emphasizes that social deviance can vary between different societies.

What are the features of failure to function adequately?

Failure to function adequately includes an inability to cope with daily challenges such as maintaining personal hygiene, exhibiting maladaptive behaviors, and causing personal anguish, which can lead to discomfort for others.

What is statistical infrequency in the context of defining abnormality?

Statistical infrequency defines an individual as mentally abnormal if their mental condition is very rare in the population, utilizing objective statistics to evaluate behaviors against the normal distribution curve.

What does the deviation from ideal mental health definition entail?

Deviation from ideal mental health is based on the presence of six features that define optimal mental health, such as environmental mastery and self-actualization. Failure to meet these criteria indicates abnormality.

What are common characteristics of phobias as outlined in the video?

Common characteristics of phobias include behavioral avoidance of the phobic object, panic responses, emotional anxiety, and cognitive irrational thoughts about the feared object.

How does the biological approach explain OCD?

The biological approach suggests that OCD is genetically inherited, with specific candidate genes identified. It also posits that low serotonin levels and an overactive 'worry circuit' in the brain contribute to obsessive thinking.

What therapeutic approaches are discussed for treating phobias?

The therapeutic approaches discussed for treating phobias include systematic desensitization, which involves gradual exposure to the feared object while practicing relaxation techniques, and flooding, which involves immediate exposure to the maximum level of the phobic stimulus.

What are the effectiveness rates of CBT compared to drug therapies for depression?

The effectiveness rate of CBT for depression is about 81% after 36 weeks, comparable to drug therapies, but CBT is noted for providing a more significant reduction in suicidal events.