Psychopathology Flashcards
Define statistical infrequency
When an individual has a less common characteristic
E.g More depressed/less intelligent than population
Example of statistical infrequency
Intellectual disability disorder
Most have an IQ between 85% and 115% - 2% scored below 70
These individuals are considered abnormal and diagnosed with IDD
Strength of statistical infrequency
Practical application
Forms an important part of clinical assessment in diagnosis of disorders (IDD)
2 Criticisms of statistical infrequency
1) Misdiagnoses
Just because very few people display an unusual characteristic doesn’t mean they require treatment
E.g High IQs
2) Social discrimination
Someone with low IQ would not benefit from being labelled as abnormal
Negative effect on how others view them and how they view themselves
Define deviation from social norms
Behaviour that is different from accepted standards in a community/society
3 Criticisms of deviation from social norms
1) Oversimplified
Those who have antisocial personality disorder may also be failing to function adequately
May not be the sole reason for defining abnormality
2) Cultural relativism
One culture may label someone as abnormal according to their standards rather than the standards of the person behaving that way
3) Too much reliance on this definition can lead to abuse of human rights
Prevents people from having the right to be different
Define failure to function adequately
When someone is unable to cope with everyday demands of life
Outline Rosenhan and Seligmans signs that someone is failing to function adequately
Experiences severe personal distress
Irrational/dangerous to others
No longer conforms to interpersonal standards
2 criticisms of failure to function adequately
1) Oversimplified
Some may live an alternate lifestyle that deviates social norms but are able to cope with everyday demands
2) Subjective
Someone has to decide if a patient is distressed
Some may say they’re distressed but not judged as suffering
Define deviation from ideal mental health
When someone does not meet a criteria of good mental health
Outline Jahoda’s criteria in deviating from ideal mental health
No symptoms of distress
Can cope with stress
Good self esteem
Strength of deviation from ideal mental health
Comprehensive
covers wide range of criteria for
mental health
Good tool for thinking about mental health
2 criticisms of deviation from ideal mental health
1) Cultural relativism
Person from one culture may define someone as abnormal based on their own standards rather than the person behaving abnormally
2) Approach would describe nearly everyone as ‘abnormal’ due to unrealistically high standards it sets
What is the two process model
Created by Mowrer
Phobias acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant
Negative reinforcement in maintenance of phobias
Individual avoids situation that is unpleasant
Results in a desirable consequence so behaviour will be repeated
