Psychopathology

Question 1

Abnormality

Answer 1

Deviation from social norms
Deviation from statistical norms/statistical infrequency
Failure to function adequately
Any usual behaviour is normal and any different behaviour is abnormal

Question 2

2 strengths and weaknesses of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Quick and easy way to define abnormality
Statistical infrequency is obvious

Doesn’t take into account the desirability of behaviour (high IQ is desirable but abnormal)
Theres no definite cut off point where normal behaviour becomes abnormal

Question 3

Limitations of defining abnormality as deviation from social norms

Answer 3

Could be used to justify removal of ‘unwanted’ people from a society

What is considered acceptable or abnormal can change over time. eg homosexuality was classified in the DSM as a disorder but the diagnosis was dropped