psychopathology

Question 1

4 ways of defining abnormality

Answer 1

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

Question 2

what is statistical infrequency

Answer 2

any individual who falls outside the normal distribution curve, around 5% of the population or being 2 deviations from the mean is classed as abnormal

Question 3

strengths of statistical infrequencies

Answer 3

. can be appropriate in many situations as it can identify abnormalities
. objective as it shows the cut off point has been agreed
. it values no judgement, it doesn’t mean they are wrong or unacceptable it if just less frequent
. can allow people to receive help

Question 4

limitations to statistical infrequencies

Answer 4

. where to draw the line as many disorders vary from person to person e.g. depression
. not all abnormalities are infrequent- 10% of people have depression and is an abnormality
. not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal e.g. high IQ is desirable

Question 5

what is the deviation from the ideal mental health

Answer 5

Jahoda 6 characteristics:
1. self attitude- self esteem
2. personal growth
3. integration- coping with stressful situations
4. autonomy- independence
5. accurate perception of reality
6. mastery of the environment

Question 6

strengths of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 6

. positive as it is more of a checklist of what is desirable, and not putting down the patient
. targets areas of disfunction- makes it seem more attainable for the patient as it isn’t everything all at once
. goal setting- as it shows exactly what they need to achieve normality.

Question 7

limitations to deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 7

. over demanding checklist as it relies on the person to achieve all 6 characteristics
. cultural relativism- some cultures reject individual autonomy so can not be applicable to one area
. context- being naked in the work place is abnormal but being naked at a nudist beach is normal and encouraged

Question 8

what is deviation from social norms

Answer 8

every society has a social norm. this is reflected in laws and statutes. anyone who falls outside of the norm are considered abnormal. this will differ from culture to culture

Question 9

strengths of deviation from social norms

Answer 9

. helps people as it shows when intervention is necessary which will benefit the effected person
. it allows situational norms e.g. being naked at a nudist beach but not outside a school
. developmental norms as at 2 it is normal to fill a nappy but not so normal at 40

Question 10

limitation to deviation from social norms

Answer 10

. cultural relativism- westernised views which wont be accepted by other cultures. cultural blindness so most white people are seen as being normal
. era dependent- it used to be that unmarried woman with children got separated and the mothers were placed into mental institutions. or British values have changed

Question 11

what is failure to function adequately

Answer 11

suggests people who can not cope with everyday life.