intro to clinical psych

Question 1

what is abnormality

Answer 1

going against society’s norms. being in the minority/ a subjectively defined behavioural characteristics, assigned to those with rare of dysfunctional conditions

Question 2

what are the 4 d’s and what are they used for

Answer 2

-deviance
-dysfunction
-distress
-danger
need method for distinguishing ‘normal’ from ‘abnormal’

Question 3

what is the statistical definition of abnormality

Answer 3

• deviance from statistical norm
• uses the curve of normal distribution
• the assumption is that any human characteristic is spread in a normal way across the general population

Question 4

what is the social norm definition of abnormality

Answer 4

deviation from social norm (behaviour violates what we see as socially acceptable)

Question 5

what is deviance

Answer 5

behaviours and emotions that are viewed as unacceptable

Question 6

what classes as statistical abnormality

Answer 6

behaviour falls in the top or bottom 2.5%

Question 7

strengths of the stat definition of abnormality

Answer 7

• produces quantitative data that is objective
• highlights the abnormality as a lack of normal functioning - this is practical because it can be used as evidence to request funding or help for those individuals

Question 8

weaknesses of the stat definition of abnormality

Answer 8

• there is a cut off point on the graph so people will not be included
• the definition is limited because there are stat frequent behaviour that are still considered abnormal
• depression is common in the UK but is still considered a mental disorder and abnormal
• abnormal behaviour is not rare - people are likely to show abnormal behaviour at some point in their lives

Question 9

what are social norms

Answer 9

behaviour which conforms to social norms is normal and behaviour that does not is abnormal. deviant behaviour e.g paedophilia

Question 10

strengths of the social norm definition

Answer 10

• the definition does not match what is seen as abnormality in daily life
• it explains why different cultures have alternative ideas of what is normal/abnormal
• takes into account that there is no universal rule about what is abnormal

Question 11

weaknesses of the social norm definition

Answer 11

• the definition is abnormality can lead to an abuse of a persons rights based on what society see as normal
• norms change over time so what one generation sees as abnormal the next generation may see as normal.

Question 12

what is dysfunction

Answer 12

must interfere in the individuals life in some major way.

Question 13

what is distress

Answer 13

a person can experience a great deal of dysfunction and very little distress of vice versa. extent to which the issue distresses the individuals

Question 14

what is danger

Answer 14

danger to self and danger to others