PP - abnormality

Question 1

what are the 4 definitions of abnormality

Answer 1

• statistical infrequency
• deviation from societal norms
• failure to function adequately
• deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

what is psychopathology

Answer 2

the field of study that deals with mental, emotional and behavioural problems

Question 3

what is involved in the research in psychopathology

Answer 3

• diagnosis
• classification
• causation
• prevention
• treatment

Question 4

what is statistical infrequency

Answer 4

statistically rare behaviour based on normal distribution
- most people fall into the middle of the bell curve
- statistically abnormal people fall to either end of the bell curve

Question 5

example of statistical infrequency

Answer 5

68% in the middle section of IQ - 100 average
+130 = rare
<70 = rare

Question 6

limitations of statistical infrequency

Answer 6

• difficult to generalise as it groups different types of abnormalities
• unusual characteristics can be seen as positive like high IQ

Question 7

strengths of statistical infrequency

Answer 7

• real-world application for diagnosis e.g. Beck’s depression inventory

Question 8

what is deviation from societal norms

Answer 8

• deviating from the unwritten rules of societies view of normal
• those who demonstrate undesirable behaviours are social deviants

Question 9

limitations of deviation from societal norms

Answer 9

• subjective - everyone has different norms (relies on context of culture, historical time and individual differences)
• unethical to label people - may cause distress and judgement which could worsen a condition

Question 10

strengths of deviation from societal norms

Answer 10

• real-world application in clinical practice (gives defining characteristics for antisocial personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder)

Question 11

what is failure to function adequately

Answer 11

• not being able to cope with the stresses of everyday life
• displays defined characteristics

Question 12

what are the defining characteristics of failure to function adequately

Answer 12

• unpredictability
• personal distress
• irrationality
• unconventionality
• maladaptive behaviours
• observer discomfort
• violation of moral standards
  e.g. hoarding

Question 13

limitations of failure to function adequately

Answer 13

• it is easy to label non-standard lifestyle choices as abnormal e.g. not having a job may be seen as a ‘failure’ but could be a way of someone’s life
• failure to function can be normal at some points e.g. during times of grief

Question 14

strengths of failure to function adequately

Answer 14

• represents a sensible threshold for when people need professional help

Question 15

what is deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 15

• looks for the absence of well-being
• Jahoda said there should be 6 characteristics exhibited to demonstrate normal behaviours
• absence of any of those behaviours indicates abnormality

Question 16

what are Jahoda’s 6 characteristics of ideal mental health (SPPEAR)

Answer 16

• Self-actualisation of one’s potential
• Personal autonomy (self-control)
• Positive attitudes toward oneself
• Environmental mastery
• Accurate perception of reality
• Resistance to stress

Question 17

limitations of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 17

• cultural bias - its different elements are not equally applicable across all cultures (focussed on USA, western cultures)
• Jahoda has very high standards and can be seen as impossible to reach all of them - disheartening to not be able to live up to them all