Psychopathology - Paper 2 Flashcards
What is the DSM-5?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is a book published in 2013 that classifies, diagnoses and treats mental health problems.
How do we know what is normal mental health?
1) Most people are like that
2) Society says that is right
3) Psychologists say that is ideal
4) We function well everyday
What do we know is abnormal mental health?
1) Most people are not like that (The statistical infrequency definition)
2) Society says that is not right (The deviation from social norms definition)
3) Psychologists say that is not ideal (The deviation from the ideal mental health definition)
4) We do not function very well every day(The failure to function adequately definition)
What is the statistical infrequency definition?
Statistics are gathered to measure characteristics and behaviours to show how they are distributed throughout the general population.
What is regarded as statistically rare depends on normal distribution.
What is the strengths of statistical infrequency?
> Can be appropriate
Objective
No value judgment
Evidence for assistance
Based on real life data
Overall view
What are the limitations of statistical infrequency?
> Where to draw the line (69 V 70)
Not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal - some are desirable
Not all abnormal behaviours are infrequent
Cultural variations
What is the deviation from social norms definition?
Behaviour violating accepted social rules.
What is the strengths of deviation from social norms?
> Helps people
Social dimension
Situational and developmental norms
Clear indication of what is and is not normal
Protects society
What is the limitations of deviation from social norms?
> Subjective
Change over time
Ignoring individualism
Ethnocentric bias
Cultural differences - cultural relativism
What is the failure to function adequately definition?
A person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life
Who created the 7 features of abnormality?
David Rosenhan and Martin Seligman (1989)
What are the 7 features of abnormality?
1) Suffering
2) Maladaptiveness
3) Vivid/ Unconventional behaviour
4) Unpredictability/loss of control
5) Irrationality/incomprehensibility
6) Observer discomfort
7) Violation of moral ideal/ ideal standards
What is the strengths of failure to function adequately definition?
> Matches sufferers’ perception
Assesses the degree of abnormality
Observable behaviour
Checklist
Personal perspective
What is the limitations of failure to function adequately definition?
> Abnormality is not always accompanied by dysfunction
Subjective
Normal abnormality
Distress to others
Personally rewarding abnormality
Cultural differences
Who created the 6 criteria that needed to be fulfilled for ideal mental health?
Marie Jahoda (1958)
