psychopathology

Question 1

Abnormality can be defined as ‘the failure to function adequately’ outline and evaluate this definition…

Answer 1

failure to function adequately refers to being unable to cope with normal tasks presented in everyday life.
One strength of this definition is that behaviour can be easily observed and measured making it easier to be treated and diagnosed
One limitation is that some people can cope with everyday life but suffer with a mental illness
Another limitation is that people can act in ways that cause them to be unable to cope for example break a bone, but they do not suffer mentally.

Question 2

Outline and evaluate deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 2

Inability to care and look after yourself.
One strength of this definition is that it enables patients to set clear goals using Jahoda’s criteria
One limitation is that the criteria is overly demanding, just because one target isn’t met doesn’t mean someone remains abnormal
Another limitation is that the criteria is difficult to measure objectively

Question 3

What are Jahoda’s 6 criteria principles?

Answer 3

1. Positive self-attitude
2. Behaving independently
3. Self-actualisation
4. Resistance to stress
5. Accurate perception of reality
6. Environmental mastery

Question 4

Outline and evaluate deviation from social norms

Answer 4

When someone doesn’t act in a way that follows the norms of society
One strength of this definition is that it considers how behaviour effects other people and helps to treat them and protect others from harm
One limitation is that social norms aren’t fixed, no consistency, low temporal validity.
Another limitation is that the norms depend on culture, abnormality varies. People from other cultures may be misdiagnosed as having a mental disorder.

Question 5

What is meant by a phobia?

Answer 5

Excessive fear and anxiety towards something triggered by an object, place or situation

Question 6

What are 2 types of phobia?

Answer 6

Specific and Social

Question 7

What are the behavioural characteristics of a phobia?

Answer 7

Panic, avoidance and endurance

Question 8

What are the emotional characteristics of a phobia?

Answer 8

Anxiety and fear

Question 9

What are the cognitive characteristics of a phobia?

Answer 9

being unable to concentrate is the fear is present.