Definitions of abnormality - Psychopathology - Paper 1 Flashcards
everything on psychopathology (21 cards)
WHAT IS STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY
A way of defining something as abnormal/normal is how often we come across it.
Usual behaviour = Normal
Unusual behaviour = Abnormal
Give an example of Statistical - infrequency
At one time only a small number of people will have an irrational fear of buttons - This is abnormal
Example - IQ
Of statistical infrequency
IQ is normally distributed across a population
Average = 80-115 - middle - Normal distribution
IQ below 70 = Statistically abnormal
IQ above/below = abnormal
Evaluation - Strength - Of statistical infrequency
Real-world application - Usefulness
Can be helpful in diagnosis and assessing symptoms.
Example - Intellectual disability disorder requires an IQ of below 70.
Evaluation - Limitation - Of statsitical infrequency
Desirable behaviours like intelligence are often labelled as abnormal because they are statistically infrequent.
But in society we don’t regard these as abnormal but as something to aim for.
People with a high IQ - regarded as geniuses.
Therefore: It is not good at defining abnormality as a whole.
WHAT IS DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS ?
when people behave in a way that is different from how we expect them to behave.
We make a judgement as a society about what is the norm.
Why can different cultures and generations be a problem for considering different behaviours as abnormal.
Social norms are different in every culture/generation so can not be generalised/universalised in saying they breach social norms.
Homosexuality - Homosexuality seen as abnormal in UK culture in the past but is widely accepted now.
In other countries it is still seen as abnormal or illegal.
Example - Schizophrenia -
DFSN
In some cultures it is suggested that hearing voices and responding is your ancestors talking to you and so would not be seen as abnormal behaviour the same way it is in others (UK/US).
Example - Psychopaths
DFSN
Someone with psychopathy is, impulsive and aggressive and fail to conform to lawful and culturally normative behaviour.
We make a social judgement that psychopaths are abnormal just because they do not conform to moral standards.
Evaluation -Positive
DFSN
Real-world application
Can be used to help define disorders.
Antisocial personality disorder (Psychopathy) - Key defining characteristic = Failing to conform to culturally acceptable ethical behaviour. ( Aggression/recklessness)
The signs of the disorder are deviations from social norms.
Evaluation - Negative
DFSN
Cultural and situational relativism
Difference in social norms between cultures/situations.
(Use Schizophrenia hearing voices example).
FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY - What is it ?
Abnormal if they cant cope with demands of everyday life.
Unable to maintain basic standards of,
nutrition/hygiene.
Keeping a Job
Keeping relationships
What did Rosenhan say about knowing when someone is failing to function adequately?
Person struggles to follow interpersonal rules like keeping eye contact/giving personal space.
Experiences severe personal distress.
Behaviour becomes irrational/dangerous to them and others.
Explain the example of - Intellectual disability disorder
FTFA
Criteria = Having a low IQ
Would also have to be failing to function adequately
Example - Poor hygiene -Extreme stress - Avolition - Struggling to leave the house
Evaluation - Strength
FTFA
Treatment/services can be targeted at those who need it the most:
Severe symptoms of low mental health = Failing to function adequately.
This is when people will seek help or will be noticed by someone else.
Meaning facilities won’t be taken up by minor issues
Evaluation - Weakness
FTFA
Discrimination and social control:
Can label different lifestyle choices as abnormal that may just be different to how most people live.
Personal life choices:
Not having a job/permanent address may see like it is.
People may choose to live like this however (Living off-grid)
Accidently classed as irrational/abnormal.
Freedom of choice is restricted
Situations:
People may be seen as abnormal when adjusting to life after loosing a loved one - shouldn’t give them that label.
WHAT IS DEVIATION FROM MENTAL HEALTH + WHO
Jahoda: Ignores the issues and looks for what makes someone normal. If we know how it should look we can see when someone is then deviating.
What does Jahoda say ideal mental health looks like?
No symptoms/distress
Rational/perceive ourselves accurately
Self-actualise (Reach our potential)
Cope with stress
Realistic view on world
Good self-esteem
Not dependent on others
Can work/love/enjoy leisure time
Evaluation - Positive
DFMH
Highly comprehensive:
Range of criteria for distinguishing mental health from disorder.
Covers reasons why we might seek help or be referred.
Individuals mental health can be discussed meaningfully with different professionals who might take different approaches.
Checklist - Self assessing/discuss with other professionals.
Evaluation - Negative
DFMH
Culture: Can’t apply the concept to diff cultures
Criteria based off Westernised ideals.
Example - Self-Actualisation seen as self-indulgent in other cultures.
Evaluation -Negative
DFMH
High standards:
Hard to achieve all of the criteria at once or keeping them all up for an extended period of time.
Hard to live up to impossible standards.
However: Can give someone practical value in understanding/improving their mental health.
