psychopathology Flashcards
statistical infrequency + normal distribution curve
what is normal usually happens and what happens rarely is considered abnormal
- when a persons traits, thinking or behaviour is considered abnormal
normal distribution curve for IQ - anything below 70 and above 130, considered abnormal/ statistical infrequency
- “normal” depends on how close you are to average
statistical infrequency - 2 strengths
✅ objectivity of this assessment (all stats, quantitative) allows fair assessment
- cut off point means practitioners can see if behaviour is statistically rare
- iq being below 70 and above 130 = abnormal
- provides reliability of diagnosis, not affected by doctors subjective perceptions
✅ practical applications
- enables diagnosis, therefore ppl can understand their needs and allows equal opportunities due to access arrangements etc
- eg schizophrenia
- benefits society
statistical infrequency - 2 weaknesses
❌ abnormality shouldn’t be objective matter, it’s subject to different gradations
- person of IQ of 71 normal but 69 isn’t
- cut off too crude
- abnormality should be put on a spectrum (like autism) instead of in opposing categories
❌ not all abnormal behaviours = rare
- depression can be considered normal (20% suffer a depressive episode at some point in life), yet medicated approach is often effective for these episodes
- failure to categorise depression as abnormal may prevent effective treatment strategies from being employed, prolonging sufferers experience
deviation from social norms
behaviour is abnormal if it goes against what most ppl in society would consider acceptable
- abnormality = socially deviant behaviour, reviewed by society as undesirable and antisocial
- catatonic behaviour, when individual seems unmoving or unresponsive, considered abnormal
deviation from social norms - 2 strengths
✅ takes into account situational norms as well as developmental normals
- more holistic approach
- situational = context (swimsuit on a park bench)
- developmental = age (3y/o having tantrum = acceptable)
✅ means society can identify abnormality and intervene
- can provide therapists and support for those who do break social norms
- cognitive behaviour therapy to help retain thought processes for a person suffering from depression
- helps society by supporting the vulnerable and know when people need help
deviation from social norms - weaknesses
❌ subjective therefore useless
- every individual has different norms
- many British citizens would place emphasis on queuing, yet not all
- doesn’t allow fair assessment of what is normal and abnormal
❌ issues around the concept
- who decides the level of social normality?
- norms change throughout time
- drinking and driving used to be acceptable, homosexuality used to be unacceptable
- this definition is era dependant
deviation from ideal mental health (6 characteristics)
JAHODA
abnormality is the absence of criteria for good mental health
- should be defined by the absence of particular characteristics
6 main characteristics
1) positive attitude towards oneself
2) accurate perception of reality
3) autonomy (being able to function as independent person)
4) resisting stress
5) self actualisation (the extent to which you develop your full capabilities)
6) environmental mastery (relationships, workplace, general problem solving)
deviation from ideal mental health - 2 strengths
✅ refreshingly positive
- focuses on what it takes to achieve perfect mental health (unlike others focusing on deficits etc)
- eg resisting stress = important for benefitting mental health
- gives us goals to achieve in our mental well-being
✅ enables us to set goals to improve
- eg environmental mastery could help an individual to understand they need to make improvements on their skills in the workplace
- 6 characteristics can be used in therapy to help individual reduce psychological distress
deviation from ideal mental health - weaknesses
❌ unrealistic - these standards would suggest that majority of people are abnormal
- humanism suggests that no one can ever achieve self-actualisation
- must be more realistic to most of society for it to be an effective analysis of abnormality
- the usefulness is limited
❌ many of the 6 characteristics aren’t relevant to all cultures
- high self esteem important in individualistic cultures (ab the individual) but not collectivistic cultures (ab the community)
- personal growth and autonomy more applicable to individualistic than collectivistic as in individualistic you’re expected to be more independent
- not all societies believe these are the ultimate aims for psychological health
failure to function adequately
behaviour is abnormal if it prevents a person from living their average everyday life
Rose han and Seligmans features of personal dysfunction:
1) personal distress (inflicting suffering on themselves and others)
2) maladaptive behaviour (behaviour presents you from reaching desired goals - can’t work)
3) unpredictability
4) irrationality (behaviour defies logical sense)
5) observer discomfort
6) violation of moral qualities (not following usual norms)
7) unconventionality (others find behaviour odd)
failure to function adequately- 2 strengths
✅ easy to assess
- attendance registers for school and work
- quantitative therefore subjective
✅ practical applications in diagnosis
- in many cases of mental health, when an individual can’t fulfil social functioning it crosses a recognisable threshold for professional help
- eg you’re considered maladaptive if you’re unable to work
- strong practical use, hence more credible than the statistical and social normal definition
failure to function adequately- 2 weaknesses
❌ influenced by subjective judgments
- “vividness” is down to the individuals idea of odd (depends on age, era, gender, etc) eg some would say having loads of tattoos is odd yet some wouldn’t
- lacks usefulness and reliability
❌ most definitions are culturally of relevant
- vividness and irrationality
- hearing voices in uk = schizophrenia
- hearing voices in costa rica = communication with god
- not useful bc you have to consider culture to decide if behaviour is odd or not
