Topic 4: Psychopathology Flashcards
What is statistical infrequency?
Statistics = numbers
According to the statistical definition, any relatively usual behaviour or characteristic can be thought of as ‘normal’ and any behaviour that is unusual is ‘abnormal’
For a given human characteristic, the majority of people will score around the average and the further you go above or below the average the fewer people will obtain that score (normal distribution)
Give an example of statistical infrequency.
IQ has a normal distribution
The average IQ is 100 - 68% of people have an IQ between 85 and 115
2% of people have an IQ below 70 - these people are ‘abnormal’ and will likely be diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder
Give a strength of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality.
Real-world application - helpful in diagnostic and assessment processes
Give a limitation of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality.
Some rare characteristics are positive, such as high IQ, and do not need treating, so statistical infrequency cannot be the sole way of defining ‘abnormality’
Not everyone who is statistically unusual will benefit from being labelled as ‘abnormal’, due to social stigma
What is deviation from social norms?
Groups of people define behaviour as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ - ‘abnormal’ behaviour offends the norm/the people’s sense of what is ‘acceptable’
It is easy to notice when someone’s behaviour deviates from these social norms by being different to the expected behaviour in a situation
Social norms can differ between cultures and across generations - there are relatively few behaviours that would be considered universally ‘abnormal’ for deviating from social norms
Give an example of deviation from social norms
Antisocial personality disorder - causes impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible behaviour
According to the DSM-5, an important symptom is ‘an absence of prosocial internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour’ - in other words, psychopaths are considered ‘abnormal’ because they don’t conform to moral standards
Give a strength of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality.
Real-world application - helpful in diagnosing antisocial personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder
Counter-argument: other factors must be considered such as distress to others
Give two limitations of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality.
Social norms are culturally relative - hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but would be seen as ‘abnormal’ in others
Can lead to human rights abuses - e.g. nymphomania, drapetomania, homosexuality
What signs of failure to function adequately did Rosenhan and Seligman propose?
Doesn’t conform to standard interpersonal rules
In severe personal distress
Becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
Give a strength of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality.
Attempts to include the perspective of the individual - acknowledging distress as a reason to need help
Give two limitations of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality.
Deviation from social norms could be mistaken for failure to function adequately - potentially leads to discrimination and limiting of personal freedom
The psychiatrist has the right to decide if the patient is distressed - could make mistakes
Counterpoint: checklists like the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale have been created to make this judgement more objective
What were Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health?
Has no symptoms of distress
Rational and can perceive oneself accurately
Self-actualises
Can cope with stress
Has a realistic view of the world
Good self-esteem and lack of guilt
Independent of others
Can successfully work, love and enjoy leisure activities
Give a strength of deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality.
The criteria are comprehensive, allowing mental health to be assessed accurately
Give two limitations of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality.
May be culture-bound - some of the criteria, e.g. self-actualisation, is not recognised in all cultures
It is likely impossible to meet all of Jahoda’s criteria, which can be disheartening
Counterpoint: the comprehensive criteria can be of value as they give people areas to focus their efforts on when improving their mental health
