Psychopathology Flashcards
Definitions of abnormality: statistical frequency
- defining abnormality in terms of statistics
- this includes examining descriptive statistics such as the mean, mode and median. These statistics inform us about many things and we define what is normal by referring to typical values
- statistics use normal distribution curves, which display typical values in the centre and abnormality to lie on either end
- if you fall in top or bottom 2.5%, you would be considered abnormal
Definitions of abnormality: deviation from social norms
- when a person behaves in a way that is different from how they are expected to behave they may be defined as abnormal. Societies and social groups make collective judgements about ‘correct’ behaviours in particular circumstances
- deviation from social norms: going against the social norms
Strengths for statistical infrequency
- real life application- all assessments with patients with mental disorders includes some comparison to social norms. Intellectual disorder demonstrates how statistical infrequency can be used
- establishes a “cut off point” sets criterion for defining abnormality
Weaknesses of statistical frequency
- not everyone benefits from benefits from being labelled as abnormal- when someone is living a happy and fulfilled life, there is no benefit from being labelled as abnormal. Someone with a very low IQ who was not distresses, would not need a diagnosis of intellectual disability
- does it always suggest abnormality if you are statistically deviating from the norm?
Strengths of deviation from social norms
- takes into account effect behaviour has on others
- considers the desirability of behaviour (unlike statistical frequency)
Weaknesses of deviation from social norms
- cultural differences- cultural relativism. Is what is considered socially acceptable the same across all cultures?
- definition could lead to human rights abuses. Too much reliance on deviation from social norms can lead to systematic abuse of human rights
Definitions of abnormality: failure to function adequately
this is when someone struggles to cope with the demands of day to day life + experience distress or cause distress to others by their behaviour.
This might be maintaining basic hygiene, basic nutrition or more complex tasks such as inability to hold a job
Strengths of failure to function adequately
- recognises the patients perspective- definition acknowledges that the experience of the patient is important. Captures the experience of many people who need help
Weaknesses of failure to function adequately: same as deviation from social norms
- same as deviation from social norms- hard to say when so,some is really failing to function of just deviating from social norms. People who live alternative lifestyles or do extreme sports could be seen as behaving maladaptively. If we treat these behaviours as failures of adequate functioning, we may limit freedom.
Weakness to failure to function adequately: subjective judgement
- someone has to judge whether a patient is distressed or distressing. Some patients may say they are distressed but may be judged as not suffering.
Rosenhan and Seligman have proposed three signs that can be used to determine if someone is failing to function adequately
These are:
- when a person no longer confirms to the standard interpersonal rules e.g maintaining eye contact and respecting personal space
- when a person experiences severe personal distress
- when a persons behaviour becomes harmful or dangerous to themselves or others
Definition of abnormality: deviation from ideal mental health
- focus on how we are deemed ‘normal’ and then looks at people who deviate from this
- jahoda came up with a list of ‘ideals’ which mentally healthy individuals posess
What is in Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health?
- we can cope with stress
- we can self actualise (reach our potential)
- we are rational and perceive ourselves accurately
- we have no symptoms or distress
- we can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure
- we are independent of other people
- we have good self esteem and lack guilt
- we have a realistic view of the world
Strength for deviation from ideal mental health
- it’s comprehensive. The definition covers a broad range of criteria for mental health. It covers most of the reasons why someone would seek help for mental health services. Jahodas criteria is a good tool for thinking about mental health
Limitation to ideal mental health: culturally relative
- some of jahodas criteria are specific to Western European and North American cultures. E.g the emphasis on self actualisation would be considered self indulgent in much of the world where the focus is on community rather than oneself. Such traits are only typical of individualist cultures
