Lecture notes Psychology of Mental Health

📝
Introduction
Type Lecture

Date @September 20, 2022 2:00 PM-3:00 PM

Location GH514

Completed?

Meeting Sessions

Module C8701

Notes


Reading
Essential :

Chapter 1: (Psychopathology — Davey)


1.1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Historical explanations of psychopathology such as ‘demonic possession’ often
alluded to the fact that the individual had been ‘possessed’ in some way. The
medical model attempts to explain psychopathology in terms of underlying
biological or medical causes. Historically individuals with mental health problems
were often locked away in asylums or given lifelong custodial care in psychiatric
hospitals. Current models of mental health care espouse compassion, support,
understanding, and empowerment.

1.2 DEFINING PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Potential ways of defining psychopathology include deviation from the statistical
norm, deviation from social norms, exhibiting maladaptive behaviour, and
experiencing distress and impairment.




Introduction 1

, 1.3 EXPLANATORY APPROACHES TO PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Psychological models view psychopathology as caused primarily by
psychological rather than biological processes. Influential psychological models
of psychopathology include biological models (explain psychopathology in terms
of processes such as genetics and brain structure and function), the
psychoanalytical model (discuss psychopathology in terms of the psychological
mechanisms that help to defend against anxiety and depression), the
behavioural model (processes of learning such as classical conditioning and
operant conditioning to understand how psychopathology might be acquired),
the cognitive model (considers psychopathology to be the result of individuals
acquiring irrational beliefs, developing dysfunctional ways of thinking, and
processing information in biased ways), and the humanist-existential model (help
the individual gain insight into their lives from a broad range of perspectives and
develop a sense of meaning in life).

1.4 MENTAL HEALTH AND STIGMA
Social stigma is characterised by prejudicial attitudes and discriminating
behaviour directed towards individuals with mental health problems. Stigmatising
beliefs about people with mental health are held by a broad range of individuals
within society, including family members, peers, teachers, and members of the
medical profession. The popular media often play a role in perpetuating
stigmatising stereotypes of people with mental health problems. Stigma has a
detrimental effect on treatment outcome for people with mental health problems.
Stigma can be addressed by adopting methods described in the social
psychology literature for improving intergroup relations.

Chapter 5: Clinical Practice (Psychopathology — Davey) Sections 5.1 → 5.3.3


5.1 THE ECONOMIC COST OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
At least 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any
single year. The economic cost of mental health problems in the UK has been
estimated at £105.2 billion each year.

5.2 WHO ARE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?
The local general practitioner or physician will usually be an individual’s first
point of contact with mental healthcare services. Professional mental healthcare



Introduction 2