Psychopathology Flashcards
What is statistical infrequency?
It aims to define abnormality according to the number of times we observe a behaviour.
According to statistical infrequency, someone is classed as abnormal if their behaviour is uncommon in the general population.
Give limitations of statistical infrequency as a definition for abnormality
• It doesn’t consider that some unusual behaviours can be positive and therefore don’t require treatment -> can’t apply to real life situations.
Eg unusually high IQ score (over 140)
• Labelling people as abnormal -> negative perception of themselves -> further distress.
Define social norm
Behaviours or beliefs that most people within a society stick to
How does deviation from social norms define abnormality?
When behaviours go against the moral values shared by a whole society, we often class this as abnormal
What are limitations of deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality?
• Social norms vary and evolve over time -> reduce internal validity.
Eg middle class women who were attracted to working class men used to be called nymphomania -> now relationships between classes are much more accepted.
• Social norms vary between cultures -> can’t generalise.
• Can lead to human right abuse.
Eg slave trade -> racism, homosexuality -> homophobia
How does failure to function adequately define abnormality?
Someone is classed as abnormal when they can no longer cope with the tests of every day life.
Takes into account the persons wellbeing, rather than imposing our standards on them.
What scale is used to identify whether someone is failing to function adequately?
Global Assessment of Functioning scale.
Measures how adequately someone is functioning -> indicate how much support they need and to plan treatment.
Give a strength of failing to function adequately as a definition of abnormality
• It attempts to include the subjective experience of the individual -> acknowledges that the experience of the patient is important
Give a limitation of failing to function adequately as a definition of abnormality
It is difficult to measure / assess distress
Name the researcher who investigated deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for abnormality?
Jahoda (1958)
How did Jahoda (1958) identify abnormality by deviation from ideal mental health?
Compared mental health to physical health.
Created 6 criteria to define ideal mental health -> if not all are met, person is classed as psychologically abnormal.
Give the 6 criteria for ideal mental health that Jahoda (1958) created
- Healthy self-attitudes, inc good self-esteem.
- Personal growth, fulfilling ones potential.
- Integration, ability to cope with stress.
- Autonomy and independence.
- Accurate perception of reality.
- Environmental mastery, ability to have relationships, manage work, enjoy leisure, adapt to changing circumstances.
Give limitations of deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality
Jahoda (1958)
• Criteria is based on western norms -> can’t generalised to other cultures.
Eg collectivist cultured don’t value independence.
• Sets unrealistically high standard for mental health.
Name some of the types of abnormalities
Phobias
Depression
OCD
Define phobia
An excessive fear and anxiety, triggered by an object, place or situation.
The extent of the fear is out of proportion to any real danger presented by the phobic stimulus.
