Psychopathology Flashcards
What are the 4 ways Abnormality can be defined as
DSN Deciation from Social Norms
FFA Failure to Function Adequately
SI Statistical Infrequentcy
DIMH Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS
Outline the deviation from social norms detention of abnormality
-Every society has norms which are standards of behaviours set by social groups
-According to DSN, any behaviour which goes against unwritten rules and norms of society is abnormal
-This definition is concerned with behaviour that is antisocial/undesirable and different to what we expect in society everyday
E.g people with antisocial personality disorder can be deceiving, impulsive, pack empathy and these all go against social norms
FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY
Outline the failure to function adequately detention of abnormality
-Behaviour is considered abnormal when it means an individual cannot cope with day to day life + cannot fulfill everyday responsibilities expected of them
-If a behaviour causes enough distress, it causes an inability to function + work + participate in relationships which are sings of abnormality
-It can also stop you from experiencing positive emotions or behaviours
-Rosenhan and Seligman suggested related characteristics include irrational behaviour and causing observer discomfort: when an individuals behaviour makes those around them concerned/anxious
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY
Outline the statistical infrequently detention of abnormality
-Any behaviour which is rare and uncommon within the general population is seen as abnormal
-If very few people demonstrate the behaviour, that behaviour does not occur enough statistically so is abnormal
E.g. schizophrenia affects less than 1 in 100 people and is seen as an abnormal behaviour
((4TH MARK))
Plot the behaviour or trait on a normal distribution curve
Calculate the mean of the behaviohr
Any behaviour that strays far from the mean is considered abnormal
DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
Outline the deviation from ideal mental beauty detention of abnormality
Jahoda suggested that normal mental health includes:
PANDAS SLEEP BETWEEN PLAYFUL ACTIVITIES EVERYDAY
POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARDS SELF- Having self respect and a positive self concept
SELF ACTUALISATION AND PERSONAL GROWTH- Having the motivation and drive to want to achieve your full potential
BEING RESISTANT TO STRESS- Being able to cope with stressful situations and any anxiety that may be caused from such situations
What is a strength and weakness of DSN
It has face validity
If is too culture specific
A strength of the DSN definition is it has face validity
A strength of the DSN definition is it has face validity
This is because it is consiisten with people’s general view of what abnormality is
For example, someone with schizophrenia would deviate from social norms as they may be talking to themselves or showing obviously irrational decision making and behaviour
This is a strength as firstly, its easy for ppl in general population to identify people who are abnormal that they know or around them and get them the right support by referring them to clinicians
dsn also makes it easier for clinicians to identify and treat illnesses
This means it often leads to valid diagnoses
A limitation of the DSN as a definition of abnormality is that it is too culture specific
A limitation of the DSN as a definition of abnormality is that it is too culture specific
For example, hearing voices is socially acceptable (or even seen as a gift) in some cultures, but would be seen as a sign of mental abnormality in the UK
This is a limitation because social norms vary tremendously from one community to another
Based on this definition, a person may be diagnosed as abnormal based on the clinicians cultural standards
However, their behaviour may not be abnormal based on their own cultural standards
Therefore, this definition must be used with caution as it has to take into consideration that person’s culture to prevent misdiagnosis of that person’s behaviour
One strength of the FFA detention is that is it an important criteria that helps us clearly distinguish between mild and serious cases of mental abnormalities
One strength of the FFA detention is that is it an important criteria that helps us clearly distinguish between mild and serious cases of mental abnormalities
Howver, the key difference betweeb those diagnosed with mental illness and general population is those are are diagnosed find that their depression/anxiety seriously interferes with their day to day life
The FFA definition helps us distinguish between different severities of mental health problems which helps identify who can and cannot cope with everyday life, this helps provide the appropriate treatment
This is useful in diagnoses and improving lives so it is a valid tool for defining abnormality
