ABNORMALITY & MENTAL DISORDERS ( psychopathology ) Flashcards
Outline the 4 definitions of abnormality
Statistical infrequency
Failing to function adequately
Deviating from social norms
Deviating from ideal mental heath
Define statistical infrequency
according to this definition any behaviour that is found in very few people is regarded as abnormal .
- referring to typical values
-using common behaviour to compare to what is not common
- using a frequency distribution , the abnormal ratings are at the end of the frequency distribution .
Define failing to function adequately
a person is seen as abnormal when their unable to go about their daily life.
- not being able to cope with daily life
- not functioning adequately causes stress to themselves and others
- unable to meet 6 areas of WHODAS ( out of 180 ) - self care,getting along with others , life activities , participation in society .
Define deviating from social norms
A person’s behaviour is abnormal when they deviate from unstated rules .
- every society has standards , anyone who behaves differently from these norms is classed as abnormal
- some rules are implicit whereas others are policed by laws
Define Deviating from ideal Mental Health
A person is abnormal when they fail to meet the six categories identified by Jahoda
1. Self attitudes - self esteem and strong sense of identity
2. Personal growth and self actualisation
3. Integration - coping with stress well
4.Autonomy - being independent
5. Having an accurate perception of reality
6. Mastery of the environment - ability to love , relationships , problem solving
outline 2 behavioural , emotional and cognitive characteristics of phobias
behavioural - panic , avoidance
emotional - anxiety , fear
cognitive - selective attention , insight
outline 2 behavioural , emotional and cognitive characteristics of Depression
behavioural - aggression , change in sleep/eating habits
emotional - guilt , low mood/sadness
cognitive - negative thinking , irritability
