Psychopathology

Question 1

What is statistical infrequency?

Give an example

Answer 1

Behaviour which is statistically rare is seen to be abnormal
We need to know how rare a trait or behaviour is before we class it as abnormal
1 in 10 being left handed,
1% schizophrenia
Having an IQ below 80

Question 2

Give 3 evaluation points for statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Some abnormal behaviour is desirable
E.g an IQ over 150/ depression is undesirable
We seperate normality from abnormality
e.g depression- difficulty of sleeping, sleeping fewer hours than 80% of the population, some may disagree
Can statistical norms be appropriate?
E.g intellectual disability is defined I terms of the normal
Distribution using a standard deviation to establish a cut off point of abnormality
Diagnosis is only made in conjunction with failure to function

Question 3

Define deviation from social norms

Answer 3

Behaviour which deviated from or violates social norms (approved and accepted ways of behaving in a paticular society)
Their behaviour maybe incomprehensible to others or make others feel uncomfortable

Question 4

Give 4 evaluation points for deviation from social norms

Answer 4

Social norms change over time- homosexuality used to be illegal and regarded as a mental didier up to 1970
Context of behaviours should be considered- varies as times change e.gr Russia and homosexuality
Excludes non conformists from society
Desirable verses undesirable
Desirable- has an IQ over 120/ aggressive- undesirable.
Effects beh siour has an others
Can be undesirable but normal
Cultures- Russia, can’t talk about homosexuality with children

Question 5

Give the seven features that indicate that a person may not be functioning adequately (rosenhan and seligman)

Answer 5

Personal distress- the person is upset
Maladaptive behaviour- behaviour that prevents an individual from achieving major life goals
Irrationality and incomprehensible- others cannot understand the behaviour
Unpredictability and loss of control- behaviour is often unexpected I a given situation
Observer discomfort- make others feel uncomfortable
Violation of moral standards- behave that differs subtabstanionallh from that you would expect in a given situation

Question 6

Define psychological abnormality

Answer 6

A psychological condition or behaviour that departs from the norm or is harmful and distressing to the individual or those around them.