Psychopathology - Booklet 1 Flashcards
Definitions of abnormality
define statistical infrequency
-a mathematical method for defining abnormality
-works on the idea that abnormality should be based on numerical infrequency
-if something occurs rarely and is uncommon, it is abnormal
give an example of statistical infrequency
-a rare IQ (high or low) is considered abnormal by this definition
AO3 points about statistical infrequency
-real life application
-unusual characteristics can be positive
-not everyone benefits from a label
AO3 - evidence for real life application of statistical infrequency
-diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder
-assessment of patients with mental disorders to measure severity of symptoms
-so can be helpful in clinical assessments
AO3 - evidence for unusual characteristics being positive as a limitation of statistical infrequency
-not all statistically abnormal characteristics are undesirable and don’t need treatment eg high IQ
-so it suggests treatment is needed when it is not
AO3 - evidence from not everyone benefitting from a label being a limitation of statistical infrequency
-people can be capable and fulfilled without a label
-eg intellectual disability diagnosis with low IQ
-so it can have a negative effect on how people view them + how they view themselves
AO3 - counter to not everyone benefitting from a label being a limitation of statistical infrequency
-labels allow more treatment options that can lead to a more enjoyable life
define deviation from social norms
-labelling people as abnormal if their behaviour goes against the expected, unwritten rules in society (social norms)
example of deviation from social norms
-sitting next to a stranger on an empty bus
AO3 points about deviation from social norms
-relies on the context of the behaviour
-can be culturally specific
-can help keep society orderly
AO3 - deviation from social norms relying on the context of the behaviour
-laughing at a funeral is considered abnormal but laughing at a comedy show isn’t
-some behaviour is only considered abnormal in certain situations
-so suggests behaviour is not abnormal but the context instead
AO3 - deviation from social norms being culturally specific
-amount of personal space preferred differs from culture to culture
-looking at social norms alone is not enough
-perception of social norms must adapt to the culture in focus
AO3 - deviation from social norms helping keep society orderly
-social norms inform people of what is and what is not acceptable to do in society
-maintains order in society avoiding chaos and dysfunction
-suggests this definition has practical real life use
define failure to function adequately
-the inability to cope with everyday activities and demands, and the behaviour causes distress to themselves or others
describe when failure to function adequately is occurring
-no longer conforming to standard interpersonal rules eg eye contact
-experiencing severe personal distress
-behaviour becoming irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
example of failure to function adequately
-being unable to maintain personal hygiene
AO3 - points about failure to function adequately
-relies on subjectivity
-attempts to include subjective experience of the individual
-abnormality does not always stop functioning
AO3 - failure to function adequately relies on subjectivity
-when deciding abnormality there is too much reliance on interpretation
-eg observer discomfort can vary between people
-so there is too much room for error as people can be judged abnormal when they are not
AO3 - failure to function adequately does attempt to include the subjective experience of the individual
-it acknowledges the experience of the patient and or others is important
-so it captures the experience of many people who need help, suggesting it is a useful criteria for assessing abnormality
AO3 - failure to function adequately - abnormality does not always stop the person functioning
-the focus on how someone is coping means some abnormal behaviour is missed
-people may appear fine if they fit into society and have jobs and homes, but they may have distorted thinking that causes hidden inner distress
-so it can cause errors in defining abnormality as people can be told they are normal when they are not
AO3 - counter for failure to function adequately attempting to include the subjective experience of the individual
-it may not be a satisfactory approach as it is difficult to assess distress
define deviation from ideal mental health
-looking at the positives rather than the negatives - the idea of mental health rather than mental illness
-there are 6 major criteria for optimal living, and anyone lacking these would be vulnerable to mental disorders and therefore abnormal
example of deviation from ideal mental health
-irrational beliefs with OCD/phobias means accurate perception of reality is not met
list the criteria for ideal mental health
Accurate perception of reality
Self actualisation
Positive attitude to oneself
Environmental mastery
Autonomy
Resisting stress
AO3 - points about deviation from ideal mental health
-too subjective
-helpful supporting a person’s recovery
-focuses on healthy behaviour rather than unhealthy behaviour
AO3 - deviation from ideal mental health is too subjective
-whether people meet the criteria or not is dependent on interpretation rather than clear cut off points
-so some people may be defined as abnormal when they are not as there is too much room for error
AO3 - deviation from ideal mental health is helpful supporting a person’s recovery
-if the specific criteria that is the concern can be identified, the person can be supported to make improvements to help their mental health
-so it shows clear criteria to work on so recovery can occur more easily when it is identified and focused on
AO3 - deviation from ideal mental health focuses on healthy behaviour rather than unhealthy behaviour
-it focuses on how people can strive to become normal, rather than focusing on problems and maladaptive behaviours
-so it improves motivation for healthy behaviour as it has healthy criteria to focus on
