Theories and Treatment of Abnormality Practice Exam

Theories and Treatment of Abnormality Practice Exam

Here’s a set of 30 questions and answers focused on Theories and Treatment of Abnormality, covering psychological approaches, therapy techniques, and theoretical foundations:

1. Biological Approach

Q: What is the biological approach to understanding abnormality?
A: It views mental disorders as resulting from biological factors like genetics, brain chemistry, or physical injuries.
Q: Name one type of biological treatment for mental disorders.
A: Pharmacotherapy, such as using antidepressants for mood disorders.
Q: How do neurotransmitters influence mental health?
A: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can lead to disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.

2. Psychodynamic Approach

Q: Who is the founder of the psychodynamic theory?
A: Sigmund Freud.
Q: What is the role of the unconscious in psychodynamic theory?
A: It stores unresolved conflicts and repressed memories that influence behavior.
Q: What technique is commonly used in psychodynamic therapy?
A: Free association, allowing patients to explore their unconscious thoughts.

3. Cognitive-Behavioral Approach

Q: What does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focus on?
A: Modifying negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors.
Q: What is a core concept of Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory?
A: Cognitive distortions, or irrational thought patterns, contribute to mental disorders.
Q: How does exposure therapy work?
A: It gradually exposes individuals to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety.

4. Humanistic Approach

Q: What is the central focus of the humanistic approach?
A: Promoting self-actualization and personal growth.
Q: Who developed person-centered therapy?
A: Carl Rogers.
Q: What is unconditional positive regard?
A: Accepting and supporting clients without judgment.

5. Sociocultural Approach

Q: How does the sociocultural perspective explain abnormal behavior?
A: It considers the influence of societal and cultural factors like discrimination and poverty.
Q: Name a therapy influenced by the sociocultural approach.
A: Multicultural counseling, which addresses cultural and societal impacts on clients.
Q: What is the significance of social support in mental health?
A: Strong social networks can buffer against mental health challenges.

6. Behavioral Approach

Q: What does the behavioral approach emphasize?
A: Learning processes, such as classical and operant conditioning, in shaping behavior.
Q: What is systematic desensitization?
A: A behavioral therapy technique used to treat phobias by pairing relaxation with exposure to feared stimuli.
Q: How does reinforcement influence behavior?
A: Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

7. Integrative and Eclectic Approaches

Q: What is an integrative approach to therapy?
A: Combining elements from multiple theoretical perspectives to tailor treatment to the individual.
Q: Give an example of an eclectic treatment strategy.
A: Combining CBT for symptom management with psychodynamic therapy for underlying issues.

8. Biological Treatments

Q: What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) used for?
A: Treating severe depression when other treatments fail.
Q: Name a class of medications used for anxiety disorders.
A: Benzodiazepines.
Q: What is the role of brain imaging in understanding abnormality?
A: Identifying structural or functional abnormalities associated with mental disorders.

9. Cognitive and Behavioral Treatments

Q: What is thought stopping?
A: A CBT technique to interrupt intrusive thoughts.
Q: How is operant conditioning used in therapy?
A: Through reinforcement strategies to shape positive behaviors.
Q: What is cognitive restructuring?
A: Replacing distorted thoughts with more realistic ones.

10. Contemporary Issues and Advances

Q: What is the importance of evidence-based practice in therapy?
A: Ensuring that treatments are supported by scientific research.
Q: Name a benefit of online therapy.
A: Increased accessibility for clients in remote areas.
Q: How do mindfulness-based therapies help in mental health treatment?
A: They reduce stress and improve emotional regulation by fostering present-moment awareness.
Q: What is trauma-focused CBT designed for?
A: Helping individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences.