Psychopathology

Question 1

What are the definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

Statistical infrequency, deviation from ideal mental health, failure to function adequately, deviation from social norms

Question 2

Statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality

Answer 2

Statistical infrequency occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic e.g. being less intelligent of more depressed than most of the population

Question 3

Deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality

Answer 3

Deviation from social norms concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society

Question 4

Failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality

Answer 4

Failure to function adequately occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day- to-day living.

Question 5

Deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality

Answer 5

Deviation from ideal mental health occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health.

Question 6

What does ideal mental health look like?

Jahoda

Answer 6

Jahoda (1958) said we are in good mental health if we meet the following: •we have no symptoms or distress
•we are rational and can perceive ourselves accurately
•we self actualise
•we can cope with stress
•we have a realistic view of the world
•we have good self-esteem and lack guilt
•we are independent of other people
•we can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure