Paper 2

Question 1

Explain normality vs abnormality

Answer 1

There is no clear cut between the two

in statistical terms abnormality is something that differs from the norms, or is statistically unusual

a behaviour is abnormal if it differs with the individual’s functions

Rosenham and Selligman introduced 7 criteria in 1939

• suffering
• maladaptiveness
• unconventional behaviour
• unpredictability/loss of consistency in actions
  -irrationality
• observer discomfort
• violation of moral standards

different approches between cultures.

Question 2

Explain Rosenham (1973)

Answer 2

look at notes

Question 3

Explain Parker et al. (2001)

Answer 3

look at notes

Question 4

Explain Chio and Blizinsky 2009

Answer 4

Chiao and Blizinsky (2009) studied the relationship between serotonin transporter gene variations, cultural dimensions (individualism-collectivism), and depression prevalence.
East Asians have a higher prevalence of the shorter variant of the serotonin transporter gene but lower rates of depression compared to North America and Europe.
The researchers proposed that collectivism, prevalent in East Asian cultures, may protect individuals from depression by promoting social norms that enhance social harmony and provide social support.
The study emphasized the interaction between genetic factors and cultural dimensions in explaining cultural variations in depression.
Global data on depression prevalence is limited, and further research is needed to fully understand global patterns and contributing factors.
Factors such as conflict, other diseases, socioeconomic factors, and methodological differences may influence regional variations in depression prevalence.
Depression is recognized as a significant global health challenge, and more accurate data is required to understand its incidence and prevalence globally.

Question 5

Define stress

Answer 5

• Stress refers to an emotional experience that results from a perceived mismatch between environmental stressors (like exams) and an individual’s ability to respond to or cope with the stressor (Hewstone et al. 2005). Stress may be positive or negative:
• distress is harmful and damaging
• eustress is positive and beneficial.

Question 6

Describe cognitive appraisals and stress response by Lazarus 1963

Answer 6

see how cognitive appraisals affect the physiological stress ressponse

participants watched 17 minutes video of Australian aboriginal ritual involving genital mutilations of young boys using stone age tools . The boys penises were cut open in an opperation called subincision

the participants emotional states and stress responses were measured by talking their pulse breathing rate and skin conductance

Lazarus manipulated how the participants would appraise the content of the video to test the the effect of cognitive appraisal on the stress response

—> control condition with no voice-over narration, just the video footage

and three other condition:

Intellectualization: a narrator’s voice, neutral, analytical tone

Denial: narrator begins denying that the procedure were damaging or affected the health of the boys

Trauma: narrator emphasizing all the possible elements of threat

Results: skin conductance measures showed that the stress response of the participants in each condition was similar except for trauma condition which had a much higher stress response.

Question 7

Fischer et al. stress beliefs and health problems

Answer 7

see how stress beliefs can affect physical symptoms of health

quasi-experiement, 216 participants from university of Marburg in Germany (mostly females of high socioeconomic status)

took two questionnaires measuring stress beliefs, levels and somatic symptoms

the SSCS (screening scale for the assessment of chronic stress) and the BASS (beliefs about stress scale.

informed consent was gathered

data was gathered during a low stress period, (april)

Results: having negative stress beliefs (stress is bad for you) led to more somatic symptoms during stressful periods

the physical symptoms were causedby higher stress levels due to beliefs

Question 8

Describe the cognitive explanation for stress

Answer 8

• Stress in humans can be caused by cognitive appraisals, which involve assessing the personal relevance of a stressor and one’s ability to cope with it.
• Lazarus and Folkman’s model of stress includes primary appraisal and secondary appraisal.
• Primary appraisal involves perceiving a stressor as irrelevant, harmless, harmful, threatening, or challenging. Stress occurs when it is appraised as harmful, threatening, or challenging.
• Secondary appraisal is the assessment of one’s ability to cope with the stressor based on available resources.
• Stress occurs when a stressor is appraised as stressful (harmful, challenging, or threatening) and is perceived as difficult to cope with due to inadequate resources.
• Cognitive appraisals can also include health beliefs, such as perceiving stress as either harmful or beneficial.
• Negative appraisals of stressors can increase activity in the amygdala, triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol, leading to physical symptoms and health problems over time.
• The amygdala can be activated by thoughts generated in our minds, influencing physiological responses and contributing to stress and health problems.
• Changing appraisals through cognitive reappraisals can reduce negative emotions and feelings of stress.