psychopathology

Question 1

what are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

define statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality

Answer 2

when an individual has an uncommon characteristic or behaviour (not within the normal distribution)

Question 3

give an example of statistical infrequency

Answer 3

intellectual disability disorder: only 2% of people have an IQ lower than 70

Question 4

evaluate statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality (+ve)

Answer 4

• provides an objective approach to defining abnormality eg homosexuality used to be defined as a mental disorder as it was less frequent than heterosexuality
• can be used to diagnose patients. eg. Becks depression index (BDI), top 5% of respondents have severe depression

Question 5

evaluate statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality (-ve)

Answer 5

• it doesn’t distinguish the desirability of a characteristic.
• an IQ >130 is ‘abnormal’ but not judged to the same degree as those with an IQ <70
• some people benefit from diagnosis as it can support them. some do not as they are now subjected to social stigma attached to labels eg low IQ regardless of whether they’re coping fine.
• although statistical infrequency can aid assessment/diagnosis, it isn’t sufficient as the sole aspect of abnormality.

Question 6

define deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality