Psychopathology Flashcards
name the different definitions of abnormality.
Statistical infrequency
deviation from social norms
failure to function adequately
deviation from ideal mental health.
Define deviations from Social Norms
Abnormality is when a behaviour does not fit what is socially acceptable.
-Norms vary from culture to culture .
What are some criticisms of using deviation from social norms to define abnormality?
it can be subjective, culturally biased, and may lead to the stigmatisation of individuals.
How can the concept of social norms change over time? Provide an example.
Social norms evolve with cultural and societal changes. For example, attitudes towards same-sex relationships have become more accepting in many parts of the world over the past few decades.
Explain how “deviation from social norms” differs from “failure to function adequately” in defining abnormality.
Deviation from social norms is about behavior that differs from societal expectations, while failure to function adequately focuses on an individual’s ability to perform daily activities.
Why might deviation from social norms be considered a subjective measure of abnormality?
It relies on the collective judgment of what is considered normal, which can vary widely across different cultures and societies.
What are some ethical considerations when using deviation from social norms to diagnose psychological disorders?
Ethical considerations include avoiding cultural bias, respecting individual differences, and not stigmatizing or discriminating against individuals.
What are the strengths of using deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality?
It is flexible and culturally sensitive, and it helps identify behaviors that may be harmful or disruptive to society
Define “failure to function adequately”
it refers to an individual’s inability to perform necessary daily activities, such as maintaining personal hygiene, working, or interacting socially.
Who proposed the criteria for “failure to function adequately” and what are they?
Rosenhan and Seligman proposed the criteria, which include suffering, maladaptiveness, personal distress and unconventionality, unpredictability, irrationality, observer discomfort and violation of moral standards.
How does the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale relate to the concept of “failure to function adequately”?
The GAF scale measures an individual’s psychological, social, and occupational functioning, reflecting their overall ability to function in daily life.
What role does the DSM-5 play in assessing “failure to function adequately”?
The DSM-5 provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders, including assessing the extent of functional impairment.
What are some criticisms of using “failure to function adequately” as a criterion for diagnosing psychological disorders?
Criticisms include its subjective nature, potential cultural bias, and the difficulty in defining what constitutes adequate functioning.
How does “failure to function adequately” interact with cultural and social expectations?
Cultural and social expectations can influence what is considered adequate functioning, as different cultures have different standards for daily activities.
What are some potential limitations of using “failure to function adequately” to assess mental health?
Potential limitations include its subjective nature, variability across different individuals, and the influence of cultural norms on what is considered adequate functioning.
