Paper 1 - Psychopathology

Question 1

What are the 4 separate definitions for psychological abnormality ?

Answer 1

Statistical infrequency
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

What is statistical infrequency and its use of distribution curves ?

Answer 2

• A behaviour is seen as abnormal if it is statistically uncommon, or not seen very often in society.
• Using data from statistics to see if behaviour is common or uncommon (abnormal)
• Uses a distribution curve to show establish what is normal behaviour with majority of people in the middle = normal and relatively few people on the end so are abnormal

Question 3

What is the defintion of deviation from social norms ?

Answer 3

• Standards of acceptable behaviour (rules) set by society through collective judgment
• Include implicit and explicit rules
• If you don’t follow these rules = abnormal

Question 4

What is the definition of failure to function adequately ?

Answer 4

• Where an individual is unable to meet the demands of everyday life and their behaviour becomes abnormal Eg. Hygiene, nutrition, sustain friendships or a job
• Causing suffering and distress to the individual themselves, and those around them such as their friends and family

Question 5

What researchers looked into failure to function adequately and what did they add to the definition ?

Answer 5

• David Rosennam and Martin Seligman
• More ways to identify inadequate functioning : non - adherence to social norms, irrational, dangerous behaviour towards themself or others

Question 6

What is the defintion of deviation from ideal mental health and who proposed the idea?

Answer 6

• Marie Jahoda
• Identified six criteria for ideal mental health, individuals who fail to meet these standards can be provided help and support

Question 7

Give and explain the 6 aspects part of the ideal mental health criterion ?

Answer 7

1. Positive self-attitude: Having self-respect and a positive self-concept.
2. Self-actualisation: Experiencing personal growth and development. Becoming everything one is capable of becoming.
3. Resistance to stress: Having effective coping strategies and being able to cope with stress-provoking situations.
4. Autonomy: Being independent, self-reliant and able to make personal decisions.
5. Accurate perception of reality: Perceiving the world in a non-distorted fashion. Having an objective and realistic view of the world.
6. 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.

Question 8

What is the definition on of a phobia and what aspects does it affect you ?

Answer 8

• Type of anxiety disorder, involves an irrational, persistent and overwhelming fear of an object or situation
• Affects the way the person thinks, feels and acts

Question 9

What are the three behavioural characteristics of phobias ?

Answer 9

Panic - crying, screaming, running away and freezing
Avoidance - interferes with the sufferers normal routine, occupation, social activities and relationships
Endurance - person chooses to remain in the presence of the feared stimulus

Question 10

What are the three cognitive characteristics of phobias ?

Answer 10

Selective Attention - person finds it difficult to look away from object of fear
Irrational Beliefs - hold irrational beliefs in relation to the feared stimulus
Cognitive Distortions - persons perception of phobic stimulus is inaccurate and unrealistic

Question 11

What are the two emotional characteristics of phobias ?

Answer 11

Anxiety - unpleasant state of high arousal makes it difficult for sufferers to relax or experience positive emotion
Fear - immediate, intense response sufferers experience in the presence of or anticipation of the feared stimulus

Question 12

What is a specific phobia?

Answer 12

An irrational, persistent, and overwhelming fear of a specific object or situation.

Question 13

How does specific, social phobia and agoraphobia affect quality of life?

Answer 13

Avoidance of the feared object or situation can have a detrimental effect on quality of life and the phobia can make the person experience anxiety

Question 14

What is the most common category of phobia?

Answer 14

Specific phobia

Question 15

What is social phobia?

Answer 15

It is an irrational, persistent, and overwhelming fear of social situations.

Question 16

When does social phobia usually begin, and does it have a clear trigger?

Answer 16

It typically begins in adolescence and often has no obvious trigger.

Question 17

What is agoraphobia?

Answer 17

It is an irrational, persistent, and overwhelming fear of being in a place or situation that would be difficult or embarrassing to escape from, or where help might not be available during a panic attack.

Question 18

What kinds of places are commonly feared by individuals with agoraphobia?

Answer 18

Public places such as shopping centers or public transport.