Psychopathology: Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

Statistical Infrequency

Answer 1

Statistically rare behaviour is seen as abnormal
- statistically rare depends on the normal distribution
- normally seen on the EXTREME ends of the bell curve

Question 2

AO3 Statistical Infrequency

Answer 2

Labelling - unethical, different factors can affect the results
Math based - can be dangerous to generalise

Question 3

Deviation from Societal Norms

Answer 3

Variation from ‘social norms’ are considered abnormal behaviour
- abnormal is undesirable
- interferes with daily life
- social deviants

Question 4

AO3 Deviation from Societal Norms

Answer 4

Subjective - influenced by own opinions and beliefs
Labelling - creates judgement rather than help
Ethics - is it unethical to label someone?
Context - based on historical, cultural contexts that make it ‘abnormal’

Question 5

Failure to Function Adequately

Answer 5

Cannot cope with everyday life
- causes stress and inability to function properly

• personal distress
• maladaptive behaviour
• observer discomfort
• violation of moral standards
• irrationality
• unpredictability

Question 6

AO3 Failure to Function Adequately

Answer 6

• gives list of different features
• objective rather than subjective?
• however not all features might be listed

Question 7

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Answer 7

Jahoda 1958
- Self Actualisation
- Personal Autonomy
- Positive attitude towards one’s self
- Environmental Mastery
- Accurate Perception of Reality
- Resistance to stress

Question 8

AO3 Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Answer 8

• gives set criteria
• objective rather than subjective