Psychopathology Flashcards
What are the 4 definitions of Abnormality?
- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from social norms
- Failure to function adequately
- Deviation from ideal mental health
What is the definition for statistical infrequency?
Behaviour which is deemed as rare or statistically infrequent, it is considered abnormal.
- the more we see a behaviour the more it is considered the norm
E.g. Different eye colours
Photographic memory
Anything rare (abnormal)
What is standard deviation in statistical infrequency, and give an example?
Standard deviation is how far away from the mean (average) other scores are.
E.g. Intelligence is measured using IQ tests, 65% of the population score 85-115. Therefore individuals who score below 70 are in the abnormal 2%. They are also probably diagnosed with intellectual disability order.
Give a positive evaluation point for Statistical infrequency?
The definition can be useful in the clinical assessment. It can be used as part of a formal diagnosis and a way to assess severity of symptoms. E.g. intellectual disability order requires IQ less than 70.
Give a negative evaluation point for Statistical infrequency?
The definition does not recognise many known disorders e.g. schizophrenia as behaviours and symptoms are noticeable but not measurable.
The cut off point is subjective for disorders like depression which is hard to measure/design a statistical cut off point for to show when therapy is needed.
Give an issue/debate point on Statistical infrequency?
Cultural relativism, only looks through a western point of view.
What is the definition for Deviation from social norms?
Social norms are behaviours that are considered acceptable within society. Individuals who deviate from these norms are considered abnormal. (social norms are culture specific).
Give an example of Deviating from social norms?
Antisocial personality disorder, is the absence of prosocial internal standards, failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behaviour. Therefore not exceeding the expected norms of your culture.
E.g. Roast dinner
US tipping culture
Give a positive evaluation point for Deviation from social norms?
Definition can be useful in clinical assessment. For example, it can be used to define characteristics of antisocial personality disorder or schizotypal personality disorder.
Give a negative evaluation point for Deviation from social norms?
Behaviour can be inaccurately defined as abnormal if it is taken out of context. For example, wearing a bikini in the classroom may be considered deviant behaviour but wearing one at the beach is not.
Give an issue and debate point for Deviation from social norms?
Cultural relativism, e.g. being homosexual in some countries is abnormal but not in others.
What is the definition for Failure to function adequately?
Individual is considered abnormal if they are unable to live a normal day to day life or if they do not possess a normal range of physical abilities emotions or behaviours.
E.g. Intellectual disability disorder, failure to function adequately.
Who were the researchers that developed the global assessment of functioning scale?
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) developed the global assessment of functioning scale. It assesses the social, occupational and physiological functioning of an individual.
What are the 6 factors in Rosenhan and Seligman’s checklist of dysfunction?
1: Personal distress
2: Maladaptive behaviour (stops you achieving goals)
3: Unpredictable behaviour (doesn’t suit circumstances)
4. Irrational behaviour (unexplainable)
5.Observer discomfort
6. Deviation from social norms
Give one positive evaluation point of Failure to function adequately?
Definition focuses on observable behaviours and represents threshold for help. The global assessment of functioning scale provides a threshold which can be used to assess when individuals require help.
Give one negative evaluation point point for Failure to function adequately?
Abnormality isn’t always accompanied by dysfunction. For example psychopaths are able to lead “functional” lives e.g. have a job or a relationship. Therefore individuals may be mislabelled as abnormal because their lifestyle does not conform to normal. E.g. people who live off grid.
Give one issue and debate point for Failure to function adequately?
Cultural relativism.
What is the definition of Deviation from ideal mental health and who researched it?
Jahoda (1958) suggested abnormality is an absence of characteristics that indicate good mental health. Rather than focusing on what makes someone abnormal we focus on what is normal.
What are the 8 factors on Jahoda’s checklist of ideal mental health?
- No symptoms of distress
- Rational and accurate perception of the self.
- Can self actualise (reach potential)
- Can cope with stress
- Realistic view of the world
- Good self esteem and lack guilt
- Independent of other people
- Successfully work, love, enjoy leisure
Give one positive evaluation point for Deviation from ideal mental health?
Positive definition which focuses on helpful and desirable behaviours which can be used to set goals.
Give one negative evaluation point for Deviation from ideal mental health?
Criteria are over demanding and unrealistic as most people cannot meet all demands of Jahoda’s checklist i.e. this makes everyone abnormal.
Also the definition lacks temporal validity for example seeing spirits may have been seen as “Godliness” previously but is now seen as hallucinations.
Give one issue and debate point for Deviation from ideal mental health?
Cultural relativism.
What are the three Characteristics of mental disorders?
Behavioural, Emotional and Cognitive.
What are the two factors involved in Behavioural characteristics?
Panic - An individual may panic in response to the presence of a phobic stimulus. E.g. crying, running.
Avoidance - Some phobia sufferers may go to a lot of effort to avoid coming into contact with the phobic stimulus. E.g. someone with fear of public toilets may limit how much time they spend outside their home.
