Psychopathology: Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is statistical deviation

Answer 2

relatively usual behaviour or characteristic can be thought of as ‘normal’ and any behaviour that is different to this is ‘abnormal’

any human characteristic the majority of people’s scores will cluster around the average. (Normal distribution)

Statistical deviation occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic than most of the population (isn’t around the average)

Question 3

Use intellectual disability disorder as example of statistical deviation

Answer 3

The average is is at 100 
Most people (68%) have an IQ from 85-115
This is classed as normal 

Only 2% have IQ below 70
These individuals are abnormal and would be classed with intellectual disability disorder

Question 4

What is failure to function adequately

Answer 4

A person may be classified as ‘abnormal’ when they can no-longer cope with the demands of everyday life and they fail to function adequately.

Question 5

According to rosenhan and Seligmann 1989 when is someone not functioning adequately

Answer 5

When a person no longer conforms to standards of interpersonal rules e.g. maintaining
eye contact and respecting personal space.

When a person experiences severe personal distress.

When a person’s behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or other

Question 6

What is example of failing to function adequately

Answer 6

Not being able to sleep and drink - dangerous to himself

Question 7

What is deviation from social norms

Answer 7

This is when people choose to define behaviour as abnormal on the basis that if offends their sense of what is acceptable or the norm. We are making a collective judgement as a society about what is right.

Question 8

How are norms specific

Answer 8

Specific to culture
Different for each generation and culture
Eg homosexuality still viewed as Abnormal in some cultures

Question 9

Explain anti social personality disorder as an example from deviation from social norms

Answer 9

DSM- 5 - absence of pro social Standards and failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behaviour’

Making social judgment that psychopathy is abnormal as it doesn’t conform to our morals standards - aggressive, impulsive

Question 10

What is deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 10

Ignores the issue of what makes someone abnormal but considers what makes anyone ‘normal’
Then we can determine who deviates from this and is abnormal

Question 11

What did jahoda 1958 suggest in her criteria to have good mental health

Answer 11

1. We have no symptoms of distress.
2. We are rational and can perceive ourselves
   accurately.
3. We self-actualise (reach our potential)
4. We can cope with stress.
5. We have a realistic view of the world.
6. We are independent of other people.
7. We can successfully work, love and enjoy our
   leisure.

Question 12

What is a strength of statistical deviation as definition from abnormality (real life application0

Answer 12

Has real life application
Eg disorders like intellectual disability disorder

All assessment of patient with mental disorders includes measurement of how severe symptoms are to statistical norms

It is useful in clinical testing

Question 13

What is a limitation of statistical deviation.

(Unusual characteristics )

Answer 13

Unusual characteristics can be positive e.g. super-intelligence.

Just because few people display certain characteristics (i.e. they are statistically abnormal) that doesn’t mean they require treatment to be returned to normal.

This definition could therefore never be used alone to make a diagnosis.

Question 14

what is another limitation of statistical deviation

doesn’t benefit everyone

Answer 14

Isnt always benefitting

someone is happy and fulfilled there is no benefit of giving them a label of ‘abnormal’.

E.g. If someone with a very low IQ is not distressed and capable of working

a label of ‘intellectual disability’ may negatively affect the way others view them

Question 15

What is a limitation of deviation of social norms

Answer 15

person in one cultural group
label someone from another culture as behaving abnormally according to their standards rather than the standards of the individual

For example, hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but not the UK. This creates a problem for people from one culture living within another culture group.

Shows definition suffers from cultural relativism

Question 16

What is another limitation for deviation from social norms (human rights abuses)

Answer 16

This definition can lead to human rights abuses.

Looking at historical examples it is pretty clear that certain diagnosis were used to maintain control over minority groups.

For example, Drapetomania was a diagnosis given to black slaves who attempted to run away repeatedly.

Question 17

What is a limitation of deviation from social norms (changes)

Answer 17

ne limitation of the deviation from social norms definition is that social norms vary over time.E.g.) For example, homosexuality was considered a mental disorder in DSM. However, it is now considered to be socially acceptable.Exp) This means the deviation from social norms definition is based on prevailing social morals and attitudes

Question 18

What is a strength of failure to function adequately (subjective experience of patient)

Answer 18

This definition attempts to include the subjective experience of individuals

It acknowledges that the experience of the patient is important.
Captures experience of people who need help

Useful criteria for assessing abnormality

Question 19

What is a limitation of failure to function adequately

just social norms ?

Answer 19

It can be difficult to say when someone is really failing to function and when they are just deviating from social norms.

people who live alternative lifestyles and choose not to do certain things such as have permanent accommodation.

If we treat these behaviours as ‘failures’ of adequate functioning’ we risk limiting personal freedom and discriminating against some groups.

Question 20

What is another limitation of failure to function adequately (judgement)

Answer 20

subjective judgements are required to assess functioning.

Some patients may say they are distressed but may be judged as not suffering.

However, there are methods to make this judgement as objective as possible including the ‘Global Assessment of Functioning Scale’.
Still psychiatrist who can make judgement

Question 21

What is a strength of deviation from ideal mental health (comprehensive)

Answer 21

This definition is very comprehensive.

It covered a broad range of criteria for mental health including most of the reasons why someone would seek help or refer themselves.

The large range of factors included make it a good tool for thinking about mental health.

Question 22

What is limitation of deviation from ideal mental health (unrealistic)

Answer 22

This definition sets unrealistically high standards for mental health.

Few people satisfy all of the criteria all of the time. Therefore, everyone would be described as abnormal to a degree.Exp)We need to ask how many of Jahoda’s criteria must be absent before someone is judged as abnorm

Question 23

Wat is limitation of deviation from ideal mental health

Culture bound

Answer 23

Some of the ideas in this definition are specific to Western European and North American cultures.

For example, an emphasis on personal achievement.

This is typical of individualist cultures not collectivist cultures.
Shows that definition cannot be generalised to everyone

Question 24

Hat is psychopathology

Answer 24

The study of mental disorders