Psychopathology Flashcards
Statistical infrequency
Abnormality is defined using numbers. Behaviour that it is statistically rare or uncommon is considered abnormal.
E.g. intellectual disability disorder - 2% of people have an IQ below 70
Evaluate statistical infrequency
One strength of this definition is that it is objective. The mathematical nature of this definition means that it is clear what is defined as abnormal and what is not. There is no opinion involved which means there is no bias.
A weakness of this is that abnormal or maladaptive behaviours can happen quite frequently within the population. An example of this is depression, where it is argued that 25% of the population will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. This definition would fail to explain why about a quarter of us will experience a mental health problem.
Another weakness of this definition is that it is culturally bias. There is no consideration of cultural differences at all as it argues that the population of the world are contained within the normal distribution. There are variances between cultures and the mathematical nature of this definition does not allow for this. What might be statistically rare in one culture may not be in another culture, therefore yo might be mistakenly diagnose someone with abnormality when they actually do not have a disorder.
Deviation from social norms
Behaviour that goes against the unwritten rules of society. Related to the cultural and historical context.
E.g. anti-social personality disorder - a person that goes against the social norms.
E.g. Homosexuality was considered a deviant act in the past and it is based on the cultural aspect. For example, in western society it might be common to marry for love whereas in non-western cultures arranged marriages might be seen as more common.
Evaluate deviation from social norms
A strength is that it is flexible, it recognises that context might play an dependant on situation and age. A social norm is to wear full clothing whilst shopping, but a bikini is acceptable on a beach. If you were to wear a bikini without being on a beach it would be considered abnormal. The situation and context in which yo are assessing abnormal behaviour is therefore considered.
Although the definition does allow for age and situation dependant behaviour, change over time means that we can’t have a consistent review point to class as abnormal. Also, cultural differences will play an important part. So it is not always clear what is normal and what is abnormal in different cultures. This might to lead to misdiagnosis, some ethnic minorities are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition because the psychiatrist that diagnoses tend to be white, middle-class males, and they might be mistakenly define a person as abnormal when they are expressing cultural norms for their ethnic background.
Failure to function adequately
Unable to cope with everyday living. Behaviour that is irrational or dangerous to themselves or to others.
E.g. Schizophrenia
Evaluate failure to function adequately
One strength of this definition is that the behaviour is observable. Failure to function adequately can be seen by others around the individual because they may not be able to get out of bed in the morning. This means that problems can be picked up by others and intervene. This ensures that people can get the support they need.
However, abnormality doesn’t always stop someone from functioning adequately. Actually, a person with a mental health problem might be good at hiding their condition from others and so some abnormal behaviour is missed. People may appear fine to others as they fit into society and have jobs and homes, but they have distorted thinking which is causing them inner distress that they hide.
Deviation from ideal mental health
Abnormal behaviour that goes against Jehoda’s criteria for mental health. If you do not meet the criteria for ideal mental health you are considered abnormal.
E.g. Not being able to cope with stress, having an inaccurate perception of self, environmental mastery.
Evaluate deviation from ideal mental health
A strength is that this definition allows for an individual who is struggling to have targeted intervention if their behaviour is not ‘normal’. For example, if their behaviour is irrational we might be able to help by providing CBT to turn their irrational thoughts into rational, positive ones.
However, this definition is ethnocentric. It is based on the western, individualistic views of what is ideal mental health. The idea of autonomy makes the collectivist cultures, where the greater good and helping/relying on others is encouraged, seem abnormal to western, individualist cultures. Non-western cultures cannot relate to the criteria Jehoda created as they have different perceptions of what is ideal metal health.
Emotional characteristics of phobias
Fear - leads to anxiety in presence or thought of phobic stimulus
The response is often disproportionate to the threat - irrational
Cognitive characteristics of phobias
Selective attention to phobic stimulus
Irrational beliefs
Behavioural characteristics of phobias
Avoidance behaviour
Panic, screaming, running away, crying
Emotional characteristics of depression
Lowered mood/ feelings of low self worth
Cognitive characteristics of depression
Absolutist thinking - no ‘grey’ areas
Anger and aggression
Behavioural characteristics of depression
Reduced levels of energy - can’t get out of bed
Change in sleeping and eating habits
Emotional characteristics of OCD
Anxiety and distress
Guilt and disgust
