Psychopathology AO3

Question 1

Statistical Infrequency Evaluation Points

Answer 1

Strengths
- Objective measure of abnormality and can easily be used by clinicians

Limitations
- Behaviors which are desirable and rare are classed as abnormal even tough they are seen positively and not seen as negative or needing treatment e.g. high IQ

• Some mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are much more common so would not be classed as abnormal in this condition (but these disorders dont need help and treatment)

Question 2

Deviation from Social Norms Evaluation Points

Answer 2

Strengths
- Used in clinical practices e.g. schizophrenia where the word ‘strange’ is used to categorise the behavior associated with the disorder

Limitations
- Variability of social norms in different cultures e.g. hearing voices in other cultures is the norm but would be classed as abnormal in the UK

• Norms can change over time depending on attitudes and time periods e.g. being gay used to be illegal but is now part of the norm

Question 3

Failure to Function Adequately Evaluation Points

Answer 3

Strengths
- Represents a threshold of when people must seek help and those with severe symptoms and determine the point that we fail to function adequately

Limitations
- Can be used to discriminate against people e.g. people who travel and dont work as definition basically says they need help because currently dont have a job

• Can be a normal reaction to something that has happened in someones life e.g. a death in the family

Question 4

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health Evaluation Points

Answer 4

Strengths
- Comprehensive and covers lots of factors e.g. range of professionals can use the criteria and apply

Limitations
- Most people dont reach all the criteria and the high standards are too high and most people would be classed as abnormal under this definition