Psychopathology - Deviation From Social Norms

Question 1

Psychopathology

Answer 1

Scientific study of mental disorders (abnormalities) such as depression, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Question 2

Abnormality definitions

Answer 2

• deviation from social norms
• statistical infrequency
• failure to function adequately
• deviating from ideal mental health

Question 3

Deviation from social norms

Answer 3

Going against the unwritten rules in a given society or culture is abnormal

Question 4

Social norms

Answer 4

Standards of acceptable behaviour which are created by a social group and followed by everyone who is socialised into that group
Some rules are explicit whereas others are ‘codes of conduct’ like abiding to a dress code

Question 5

Social norms good or bad?

Answer 5

Good e.g. politeness

Question 6

Limitations - beneficial

Answer 6

• can be beneficial to break social norms
• people who are deviant may have chosen a non-conformist lifestyle because they are motivated by high principles
• e.g. suffragettes broke many social norms which led to women gaining the right to vote

Question 7

Limitations - change

Answer 7

Social norms of a society change overtime e.g. homosexuality used to be classed as a mental illness until 1973

Question 8

Limitations - not abnormal

Answer 8

• if they don’t conform to social norms it doesn’t mean they’re abnormal but may be eccentric. E.g. naturists break social norms

Question 9

Limitations of deviation from social norms

Answer 9

• can be beneficial to break social norms
• social norms of a society change overtime
• deviation from social norms does not always have mental health consequences

Question 10

Adv

Answer 10

Distinguishes desirable and non-desirable behaviour, protecting the members of the public from the effects of abnormal behaviour