Psychopathology (Paper 1) Flashcards
What is the definition of deviation from social norms?
When an individual breaches the typical or expected way of behaving in society
What are 3 weaknesses of deviation from social norms?
- Sometimes, deviation from social norms is a lifestyle choice rather than a sign of abnormality
- Social norms are culturally relative change over time and place
- The definition could be used as a form of social control
What is the definition for failure to function adequately?
Being unable to cope with or manage tasks necessary in everyday life
What are the 6 features of abnormality?
1.Personal distress
2. Maladaptive behaviour
3. Unpredictability
4. Observer discomfort
5. Violation of moral and ideal standards
6. Irrationality
What is a strength and 3 weaknesses of failure to function adequately?
+ It is useful when identifying individuals who need treatment
- Does not take into account an individual’s circumstances
- It is not clear how extreme the behaviour has to be in order to be considered abnormal
- The definition is culturally relative
What is the definition of statistical infrequency?
Behaviour that is very rare
What is a strength and 3 weaknesses of statistical infrequency?
+ It is a useful part of clinical assessment of patients with mental illness
- Does not account for desirability
-Some abnormal behaviour is not rare - Subjective as different people will judge behaviour in different ways depending on where they draw the line
What is the definition of deviation from ideal mental health?
When an individual does not possess all the characteristics that allow them to behave appropriately and competently and lead a happy life
What are the 6 characteristics of ideal mental health?
- Positive self attitudes (high self esteem and sense of identity)
- Self actualisation (Motivated to develop and reach full potential)
- Resistance to stress (ability to cope with stressful situations)
- Autonomy (being independent and self-reliant)
- Having an accurate perception of reality
- Mastery of the environment
What is a strength and 3 weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health?
+ Offers a positive approach to identifying mental illness
- Idealised set of expectations
- It is unclear how many criteria have to be lacking
- Culturally biased (based on western ideas of self fulfilment)
What is the definition of cultural relativism?
It is only possible for people to think about people’s behaviour in the context of the societies and cultures in which they live
What is the definition of a phobia?
An extreme and irrational fear of a specific stimulus that produces a conscious avoidance of the source of the fear
What are 3 behavioural characteristics of a phobia?
-Avoidance
- Fainting or freezing
- When the behaviours interfere with other daily activities
What are 3 emotional characteristics of a phobia?
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Panic
What are 3 cognitive characteristics of a phobia?
- Recognition of the irrational nature of the fear
- Can’t be helped by rational argument
- Selective attention to the phobic stimulus