Psychopathology

Question 1

What are the four definitions for abnormality

Answer 1

Statistical infrequency
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

Statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Examine dexripitve statistics eg mean mode median. They tell us what is normal based on the typical values
They use normal distribution curves which display typical values in the centre and abnormality in either end
If you fall in the top or bottom 2.5% you are abnormal
Eg 1 in 1000

Question 3

Deviation from social norms

Answer 3

Is when someone behaves in a way that is different from how we expect them to behave deviating from the the norms set by the social group.

Question 4

Strengths of statistical infrequency

Answer 4

Real life application on the diagnosis of intellectual mental disorder useful part of clinical assessment as it looks at deviation from statistical norm
Establishes a ‘cut off point’ sets criteria for defining abnormality

Question 5

Weakness of statistical infrequency

Answer 5

Some abnormality behaviour is desirable and vice versa
You may not always be abnormal is you are statistically deviating from the norm so may not need treatment
Not everyone benefits from being labelled if they are able to function properly why do they need to be labelled

Question 6

Strengths of deviation from social norms

Answer 6

Takes into account effect of behaviour on others

Considers desirability of behaviour

Question 7

Weaknesses of deviation from social norms

Answer 7

Cultural relativism - something’s may not be acceptable in other cultures
Too much reliance on deviation from social norms to understand abnormality as it can lead to systematic abuse

Question 8

Failure to function adequately

Answer 8

This is when someone struggles to cope with the demands of day to day life and experience distress/others are distressed by their behaviour
This might be maintaining basic hygiene basic nutrition or more possibly more complex tasks such as ability to hold a job

Question 9

Rosenham and Seligman 3 signs that are used to determine if someone is failing to function adequately

Answer 9

1. When a person no longer confirms to the standard interpersonal rules set eg eye contact and personal space
2. When a person experiences severe personal distress
3. When a persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others

Question 10

Deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 10

It focuses on how we are deemed normal and then looks at people who deviate from this

Question 11

Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health

Answer 11

Can cope with stress, no symptoms or distress, good self esteem and lack of guilt, independent, successfully work and love and enjoy leisure, realistic views of the world, self actualise, rational views

Question 12

Evaluation of failure to function adequately

Positives

Answer 12

Attempts to include patients perspective and therefore considers individual subjective experience
Can be objective if using criteria

Question 13

Evaluation of failure to function adequately

Negatives

Answer 13

May limit personal freedom

Judgements are subjective - someone judge if they are suffering