Psychopathology- Abnormaility Flashcards
Definitions of abnormality
Statistical infrequency,
Deviation from social norms,
Failure to function adequately,
Deciation from ideal mental health
Statistical infrequency
Defining abnormality by behaviours which are numerically rare
Deviation from social norms
Defining abnormality by behaviours which which violates expected or accepted behaviour in society
Failure to function adequately
Defining abnormality by behaviours which exhibit a person being unable to cope with the demands of everyday life
Deviation from ideal mental health
Defining abnormality by a person failing to meet criteria for psychological wellbeing
Example of deviation from social norms
Antisocial personality disorder
Evaluating deviation from social norms
✅Real world application in clinical practice
❌Norms are culturally relative so won’t define abnormality the same in different cultures
Example of statistical infrequency
Intellectual Disability Disorder defined with an IQ less than 70
Evaluating statistical infrequency
✅Real world application in clinical practice
❌Doesn’t distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours
Example of failure to function adequately
Rosenhan and Seligman’s signs of FtFA:
Distress,
Observer discomfort,
Maladaptive behaviours
Evaluating failure to function adequately
✅Recognises patient’s perspective
❌Involves subjective judgement
Criteria for ideal mental health
SPEARS:
Self actualisation
Personal autonomy
Environmental mastery
Accurate perception of reality
Resistance to stress
Self acceptance
Self actualisation
Achieving full potential
Personal autonomy
Being independent
Environmental mastery
Thriving in the environment you are in
Accurate perception of reality
Being realistic and rational
Resistance to stress
Being able to handle stressful situations
Self acceptance
Having positive attitudes, self esteem and lack of guilt
Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health
✅Most comprehensive definition
❌Sets unrealistic expectations
Rosenhan and Seligman
Signs a person isn’t coping (FFA) : personal distress, observer discomfort, maladaptive behaviour
Jahoda
Characteristics for ideal mental health
