Abnormal PsychCh. 3 - 5

Research

The Scientific Method•Conducting scientific research involves:•Defining a problem•Specifying a hypothesis•Operating the dependent and

independent variables•Conclusion/retest

Types of Data Collection•Case Studies•Naturalistic Observation•Survey•Correlational Studies

▫Correlation DOES NOT imply causation!

Correlational StudiesContinuous variable

Two or more variables are measured and the correlation between them is examined

Group Comparison Study

Two or more groups are compared on the variables of interest

Cross-sectional Participants assessed at one point in time

Longitudinal Participants assessed on two or more occasions over times

Gathering Info

Symptoms and History•Current symptoms•Self concept•Recent events•History of psychological disorders•Family history of psychological disorders

Physiological Factors

•Physical Condition•Drug and Alcohol Use•Intellectual and Cognitive Functioning

Assessment

The Clinical Interview•Intake interview

▫Structured vis-à-vis unstructured •Resistance from the client is a limitation

of the interview.

Various Tests•IQ

▫Criticisms of?•Projective Tests

▫Rorschach Inkblot Test ▫Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)▫Draw-A-Person Test

•Questionnaires▫Symptoms▫Personality Inventories

Types of Validity (tests)Type Description Face

Content

Concurrent

Predictive

Construct

Test appears to measure what it is supposed to measure. Test assesses all important aspects of phenomenon. Test yields the same results as other measures of the same behavior, thoughts or feelings.Test predicts the behavior it is supposed to measure.Test measures what it is supposed to measure and not something else.

Types of Reliability (tests)

Type Description Test-Retest

Alternate Form

Internal

Interrater or Interjudge

Test produces similar results when given at two points in time.

Two versions of the same test produce similar results.

Different parts of the same test produce similar results.

Two or more raters or judges who administer and score a test to an individual come to similar conclusions.

Observations and Self-Monitoring

•Behavior Observation• Example: Watching a child interact with

another child to see what provokes him or her•Self-Monitoring• Example: Asking a client to keep track of

the number of times per day he or she engages in a specific behavior such as smoking a cigarette

Problems in Assessment•Evaluating Children

▫Difficulties in communication and reporting•Cultural Bias

▫Language barriers▫Different cultures experience different

psychological disorders differently

Diagnosis

DSM IV (TR)

Axis I Clinical disorders

Axis II Personality disordersMental retardation

Axis III General medical conditions

Axis IVPsychosocial and

environmental problems

Axis V Global assessment of functioning

Biological Treatment

Drug Therapies

Antipsychotic Drugs Reduce symptoms of psychosis. Examples: Thorazine, Clorzaril, Haldol

Antidepressants Reduce symptoms of depression.Examples: Parnat, Elavil, Prozac

Lithium Reduce symptoms of anxiety. Examples: Nembutal, Valium

Antianxiety Drugs Reduce symptoms of anxiety. Examples: Nembutal, Valium

Other Biological Treatments•Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)•Psychosurgery

▫lobotomies

Psychological Therapies

Psychodynamic Therapies

Concepts

Free Association

Transference

Counter-Transferen

ce

Working Through

Therapeutic Alliance

Resistance

Humanistic Therapy•Client-centered therapy

▫The therapist communicates a genuineness in his role as helper to the client.

▫The therapist shows unconditional positive regard for the client.

▫The therapist communicates an empathic understanding of the client by making it clear that he understands and accepts the client’s underlying feelings and search for self.

Behavior Therapies•Systematic Desensitization•Aversion Therapy•Relaxation Therapy•Distraction Techniques•Flooding•Operant Conditioning•Behavioral Contracting•Modeling and Observational Learning

Cognitive Therapies•To assist clients in identifying their

irrational and maladaptive thoughts and replacing them with more adaptive ways of thinking

Group Therapy

Opportunities for growth and

personal satisfaction by helping others

Information and advice for

members

Examples of appropriate

conductA safe place to take risks and

accept criticism

Information that other

people share the same problem

Opportunities to express

feelings and gain self-

understanding

Opportunities to acquire and improve skills

Factors of Successful TherapyA positive relationshipAn explanation or interpretation of why

client is suffering Other factors

Encouragement to confront negative emotions

An integrative approach