Psychopathology: Definitions

Question 1

AO1 points for Deviation from social norms? (DSN).

Answer 1

• Seen as abnormal if different to accepted behaviour of society.
• Behaviour can be seen as offensive.
• Society sets unwritten rules.

Question 2

AO2 points for DSN?

Answer 2

Social norms change over time. (Smoking no longer wanted).

-Politeness (desirable norm) / Aggressiveness (undesirable)

Question 3

AO3 points for DSN.

Answer 3

• Subjective measurements of abnormality as changes over time/different cultures.
• Eccentric behaviours not necessarily abnormal.
• Anti-social behaviour can be seen as abnormal.

Question 4

AO1 points for statistical infrequency

Answer 4

• Persons trait, thinking or behaviour is seen as abnormal if rare.
• Characteristics are less common/typical.

Question 5

AO2 points for statistical infrequency?

Answer 5

-IQ graph - if not in the average, you are statistically infrequent.

Question 6

AO3 point on statistical infrequency

Answer 6

• Fails to account for desirable behaviour. (High IQ)

- Some disorders aren’t rare, e.g. depression found in 19.7% of people over 16.

Question 7

AO1 point on Deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 7

Ideal mental health would be seen as having a positive attitude towards the self, resistance to stress.
-Failure to meet Jahoda’s criteria: PRAISE.

Question 8

What does PRAISE stand for?

Answer 8

Personal growth.
Reality perception. Autonomy.
Integration. Self-attitudes.
Environmental mastery.

Question 9

AO3 point for Deviation from ideal mental health.

Answer 9

• Criteria is too demanding.
• Fail to achieve one we are ‘abnormal’.
• Culturally relative.

Question 10

AO1 point for failure to function adequately (FFA)?

Answer 10

• Unable to deal with demands of everyday life.
• Behaviour is maladaptive, irrational- causes stress to themselves and others.
• May be unable to perform day-to-day actions.

Question 11

AO2 point for FFA?

Answer 11

• WHODAS - Measures health and disability across cultures.
• GAF Scale - Rates how serious a mental health may be.
• Rosenhan and Seligman.

Question 12

What did Rosenhan and Seligman find? (7 major features).

Answer 12

7 major features in abnormal behaviour!

Suffering, Loss of control, Irrational, Maladaptiveness, Observer discomfort, Violation of moral standards.

Question 13

AO3 points for FFA?

Answer 13

• Who decides what is meant by FFA?
• Unusual behaviour may be a coping strategy for some.
• Many mental disorders don’t cause personal distress.