Alma has recently been experiencing difficulty falling sleep, lack of pleasure in her usual activities, and other symptoms that suggest she may be depressed. A ________ approach could include labeling her with a disorder, and a _________ approach could include identifying her degree of depression relative to other people.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A categorical approach involves assigning individuals to specific diagnostic categories based on the presence or absence of certain symptoms, while a dimensional approach focuses on quantifying the degree or severity of symptoms experienced by an individual. In this scenario, a categorical approach that labels Alma with a specific disorder could stigmatize her and potentially overlook individual differences in her symptoms or experiences. Instead, a dimensional approach that assesses the degree of depression she is experiencing in comparison to others can provide a more nuanced understanding of her mental health status. The diathesis-stress model (choice A) refers to a theoretical framework that considers both genetic and environmental factors in the development of mental disorders and does not directly relate to the two approaches outlined in the question. Maladaptiveness and dysfunction (choice D) refer to general concepts related to how behaviors or characteristics may impair an individual's ability to function effectively in various aspects of their life and are not specific to approaches in diagnosing mental disorders.

Alma Has Recently Been Experiencing Difficulty Falling Sleep, Lack of Pleasure