Psychopathology Flashcards
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?
Deviation from social norms.
Failure to function adequately.
Deviation from ideal mental health.
Statistical infrequency.
Describe deviation from social norms
Abnormality is defined as anyone who behaves differently from social norms or standards set by the social group.
Abnormal behaviour damages social rules established to help people live together.
Eg. Queuing at a bustop.
Evaluate deviation from social norms
~Definition is susceptible to abuse. Norms and standards vary as time changes, Society is ever-changing its views on what is considered acceptable (eg. Homosexuality).
~Social deviance is inevitably related to both CONTEXT and degree therefore cannot be a complete definition on its own.
~Distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour but no clear distinction between normal and abnormal.
Describe failure to function adequately
Abnormality is defined as not being able to cope with everyday living or routine. Causes distress/suffering to individual, as well as others. Eg. Mental disorders.
Rosenhan et al - criteria: ~Observer discomfort ~Irrationality ~Maladaptive behaviour ~Unpredictability ~Personal distress
Evaluate failure to function adequately
~Depends on who judges, individuals could be content with the way they function or unaware of it, subjective.
~Some abnormality cases may not always be followed by observable dysfunctional traits, e.g. psychopaths cause great harm to others yet still appear normal.
~Some dysfunctional/abnormal behaviour such as transvestism can actually be adaptive or functional for the individual as some make a living out of it.
~Recognises the subjective experience of the patient so we can see from their POV, therefore intervention can occur.
Describe deviation from ideal mental health
Abnormality is defined in the same way physical health is assessed, by looking for signs that suggest absence of well-being. The more characteristics a person fails to meet the more likely they are to be classed as abnormal.
Jahoda (1958) criteria: • Self-actualisation • Positive attitudes towards one self • Environmental mastery • Autonomy • Accurate perception of reality • Resistance to stress
Evaluate deviation from ideal mental health
~Unrealistic criteria, how many should be absent before an individual is considered abnormal. Over-demanding.
~Suggests that mental health is the same as physical health - that there is a cause for abnormal behaviour even though not all mental disorders have causes.
~Offers an alternative perspective on mental disorders by focusing on what is desirable rather than what is undesirable.
~Cultural bias.
Describe statistical infrequency
Abnormality is defined as behaviours that are extremely rare i.e. any behaviour that is found in very few people or deviate from the average.
Statistics inform us about what is considered as typical in a population.
Difference between normal and abnormal is based on the quantity rather than quality (mathematical principle of normal distribution, those on either side of the sd are abnormal). Majority=normal.
Evaluate statistical infrequency
~Some abnormal behaviour is desirable (high IQ) same as how normal behaviour may be undesirable (depression) - unable to distinguish.
~The cut-off point between normality and abnormality is subjectively determined.
~Statistical infrequency is sometimes appropriate e.g. intellectual disability is defined in terms of the normal distribution use on the concept of standard deviation.
What is abnormal psychology?
A field of psychological study that deals with mental, emotional and behavioural problems.
Define: OCD
Obsessive compulsive disorder. Anxiety disorder where sufferers experience persistence and intrusive thoughts occurring as obsessions or compulsions.
What are the emotional, cognitive and behavioural characteristics of OCD?
~Excessive anxiety and distress which leads to embarrassment. Disgust concerning obsession of germs.
~Recurrent, uncontrollable/obsessive thoughts, more than everyday worries. Doubtful thoughts, fear of overlooking something. Realise irrationality.
~Compulsive behaviours to reduce obsessive thoughts, not connected in a realistic way. Social impairment.
Define: Depression
Mood disorder involving length disturbance of emotions. Can occur in cycles with symptoms coming and going over time, two types: unipolar + bipolar.
What are the emotional, cognitive and behavioural characteristics of depression?
~Sadness, loss of interest and pleasure, worthless, low self esteem, anger.
~Irrational, negative thoughts and self beliefs that are self fulfilling (negative schemas). Lack of concentration. Suicidal thoughts, poor memory.
~Reduced or increased activity related to energy levels, sleep and eating.
Define: Phobia
A type of anxiety disorder which are characterised by uncontrollable, extreme and irrational fears that produce a conscious avoidance of the feared object/situation.
3 types: simple (specific), social and agoraphobia.
What are the emotional, cognitive and behavioural characteristics of phobias?
~Fear that is persistent and likely to be excessive and unreasonable, coupled with feelings of anxiety and panic cued by the anticipation/presence of the phobia.
~Not helped by rational argument, unreasonableness of behaviour is recognised.
~Avoidance, faint or freeze, interferes with everyday life.
What 4 categories come under simple (specific) phobias?
- Animal phobias (fear of spiders)
- Injury phobias (fear of blood)
- Situational phobias (fear of flying)
- Natural environment phobias (water)
What is a social phobia?
A common type of phobia, involving the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
Performance phobia - stage fright
Interaction phobia - fear of communication
Generalised phobia - fear of crowds
