4.1.4 psychopathology Flashcards
what are the 4 definitions of abnormality
There are 4 definitions of abnormality: Deviation from social norms Failure to function adequately Deviation from ideal metal health ( Marie Jahoda ( 1958) ) Statistical infrequency
definition of abnormality- deviation from social norms
every society has norms, unwritten rules for acceptable behaviour, any behaviour that goes against this is a deviation from social norms
draws a line between desirable and undesirable behaviours and labels individuals behaving undesirably as social deviants
definition of abnormality- failure to function adequately
behaviour suggests that they cannot cope with everyday life.
abnormal when it causes distress leading to an inability to function adequately, like disrupting the ability to work.
features of personal dysfunction- personal distress
key feature, involves depression/anxiety
features of personal dysfunction- maladaptive behaviour
behaviour stopping individuals from attaining life goals, both socially and occupationally
features of personal dysfunction- unpredictability
displaying unexpected behaviours characterised by loss of control, like attempting suicide after failing a test
features of personal dysfunction- irrationality
displaying behaviour that cannot be explained in a rational way
features of personal dysfunction- observer discomfort
displaying behaviours makes other uncomfortable
features of a personal dysfunction- violation of moral standards
displaying behaviour that violates society’s moral standards
features of a personal dysfunction- unconventionality
displaying unconventional behaviours
assessing coping
clinicians use the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), which rates their level of social, occupational and psychological functioning
strengths of failure to function adequately
matches sufferers perception
definition of abnormality- deviation from ideal metal health
failure to meet the criteria for perfect psychological wellbeing.
Jahoda (1958) devised the idea of ideal mental health. has 6 characteristics an individual must exhibit in order to be ‘normal’
characteristics- self-actualisation, positive attitudes towards self, autonomy, resisting stress, accurate perception of reality and environmental mastery
Jahoda’s criteria- positive attitudes towards self
having self-respect and a positive self-concept
Jahoda’s criteria- self-actualisation
experiencing personal growth and development
Jahoda’s criteria- autonomy
being independent, self-reliant and able to make personal decisions
Jahoda’s criteria- resisting stress
effective coping strategies and being able to cope with everyday anxiety-provoking situations
Jahoda’s criteria- accurate perceptions of reality
percieving the world in a non-distorted way.
having an objective and realistic view of the world
Jahoda’s criteria- environmental mastery
being competent in all aspects of life and able to meet the demands of any situation. having the flexibility to adapt to changing life circumstances
definition of abnormality- statistical infrequency
behaviours that are statistically rare should be seen as abnormal
depends in natural distribution
phobias
a type of anxiety disorder
characterised by uncontrollable, extreme, irrational and enduring fears and involve anxiety levels out of proportion to any actual risk
phobias- behavioural symptoms
avoidant/anxiety type- confrontation with feared stimulus produces high anxiety responses and so efforts are made to avoid the chances of anxiety responses
disruption of functioning- anxiety and fear responses are so extreme that they severely interfere with the ability to conduct everyday working and social functioning
phobias- emotional symptoms
persistent, excessive fear- produce high levels of anxiety due to the presence of or the anticipation of the feared object/situation
fear from exposure- produce an immediate fear response, even panic attacks due to the presentation of the feared phobic object/situation
phobias- cognitive symptoms
recognition of exaggerated anxiety- are typically consciously aware the anxiety levels they experience are overstated
phobia sub-types
- simple
- social
- agoraphobia