Psychopathology - Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

What is a Statistical Infrequency?

Answer 1

• Its decided if a behaviour is abnormal by how many times we observe it, statistically rare behaviour = “Abnormal”
• Quick way to define abnormality but limited by desirability of behaviours and traits
• Labelling could be detrimental instead of being helpful

Question 2

What are Social Norms?

Answer 2

Rules set up by society based on a set of moral standards, can be culturally specific

Question 3

What is a Deviation from Social Norm (DSN)?

Answer 3

A definition of abnormality, to move away from expected behaviour set by a social group based on their moral standards

Question 4

What is APD?

Answer 4

Antisocial Personality Disorder (Psychopathy): Lacks empathy, aggressive, impulsive, irresponsible

Question 5

What is a/are strength(s) of DSN?

Answer 5

Real life applications, e.g. APD

Question 6

What is a/are weakness(es) of DSN?

Answer 6

• Historical issues: e.g. homosexuality was illegal until the 1960s-70s
• Cultural Issues: In Russia, diagnoses of insanity was used to detain political dissidents,
• Social Control: approach has been used to control people

Question 7

What is Failure to Function Adequately (FFA)?

Answer 7

A definition of abnormality, an inability to cope with daily life caused by psychological distress or discomfort

Question 8

What is a/are strength(s) of FFA?

Answer 8

It attempts to include the experience of an individual

Question 9

What is a/are weakness(es) of FFA?

Answer 9

• Contexts of behaviour can change the diagnosis
• Some people with psychological disorders can function adequately
• Labelling can be derogatory

Question 10

What is Deviation from Ideal Mental Health (DIMH)?

Answer 10

A definition of abnormality, assumes that if someone is mentally well then they will possess all of the markers of ideal mental health.

Question 11

Who is Jahoda (1958)?

Answer 11

Believed it was better to focus on the positives than negatives of mental health, created the 6 criteria for ideal mental health

Question 12

Who came up with the 6 criteria for mental health?

Answer 12

Jahoda (1958)

Question 13

What are the 6 criteria for mental health (PRAISE)?

Answer 13

Personal growth
Reality perception
Autonomy
Integration
Self attitudes
Environmental mastery

Question 14

What is a/are strength(s) of DIMH?

Answer 14

Comprehensive approach

Question 15

What is a/are weakness(es) of DIMH?

Answer 15

• Cultural relativism (culture-bound)
• Difficult to analyse and meet all criteria