5.1.1 4 D's

Question 1

Define ‘deviant’.

Answer 1

Behaviours, emotions, and thoughts which differ from social and cultural norms that are seen as unacceptable by society.

Question 2

Give 2 examples of deviant behaviour.

Answer 2

1) Theft
2) Pedophilia

Question 3

Why can’t a genius be classed as deviant?

Answer 3

Even though geniuses deviate from the norm, intelligence is accepted by society as it is seen as positive.

Question 4

Deviance- Strength

Answer 4

It can use statistical measures to help inform decisions of diagnoses

Question 5

Deviance- Weakness

Answer 5

Misdiagnosis may occur due to relating deviancy to social norms that differ from culture to culture. Eg attitudes towards homosexuality in UK over time

Question 6

Define ‘distress’.

Answer 6

Negative behaviours and feelings that cause distress to the individual or others.

Question 7

Distress- Strength

Answer 7

Useful to the patient who may not realise that they are harming themselves and others in the process.

Question 7

Give 2 examples of distressing behaviour.

Answer 7

1) Hypochondriacs
2) Anger

Question 8

Distress- Weakness

Answer 8

Hard to operationalise as every person has different experiences that make them distressed eg auditory hallucinations, voice in someones head ‘have a great day’. One may view as normal, but other may see this as distressing

Question 9

Define ‘dysfunctional’.

Answer 9

Behaviours and feelings that interfere with a person’s ability to function in daily life, such as hold a job.

Question 10

Give 2 examples of dysfunctional behaviour.

Answer 10

1) Insomnia
2) Depression

Question 11

Dysfunction- Strength

Answer 11

Davis (2009) said that it can help in making a decision by matching behaviour and beliefs to the axis of the DSM, in this case, specifically axis 5 “level of function”

Question 12

Dysfunction- Weakness

Answer 12

It cannot be used a criteria alone as dysfunction can be deliberate and so if a person only shows this criteria but still has a mental disorder, issues with validity can arise.

Question 13

Define ‘dangerous’.

Answer 13

Behaviours and feelings that are potentially harmful to and individual or others around them.

Question 14

Give 2 examples of dangerous behaviour.

Answer 14

1) Smoking
2) Self harm

Question 15

Dangerous- Strength

Answer 15

Recognising this criteria being prevalent can help to stop or reduce harmful situations the individual may engage in whilst the rest of the diagnosis is taking place.

Question 16

Dangerous- Weakness

Answer 16

Due to being based on self-report data, individuals may leave this information out as they may not want the clinician to know that they are dangerous to themselves or others, leading to misdiagnosis.

Question 17

Give 3 general strengths of the 4 Ds.

Answer 17

1) It provides a holistic approach to abnormality which can be seen as an adequate gage at psychological abnormality
2) Flexible in helping people and enables greater relevance whilst also considering culture
3) Has practical application in aiding a clinician at making a decision on the diagnosis of the individual

Question 18

Give 3 general weaknesses of the 4 Ds.

Answer 18

1) The BPS has expressed concern over the high social control in clinicians deciding what is abnormal behaviour
2) Davis (2009) discusses the addition of the 5th D “Duration” which is equally important and without it the explanation is insufficient
3) Due to self-report it can decrease validity of the individuals honesty and if they are not treated for the right disorder then they may not improve or get worse