The 4 D’s Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are the 4 D’s?
Deviance, dysfunction, distress, danger
5th D?
Duration - if 4 D behaviours have been going on for a long period of time, it may require psychiatric attention - e.g low mood
What do the 4 D’s do?
Help to diagnose MI
What is the statistical definition of MI?
Behaviours are abnormal if they are not frequent in society, and these are likely to be a MI
What is the issue with the statistical definition?
Some behaviours may be statistically uncommon but are not a MI - 4 D’s are used to help
What is deviance?
Behaviours which go against social norms
What are social norms?
Unwritten rules in society of how we should behave which come from culture and laws
What is dysfunction?
If behaviours significantly interfere with an individual’s life where they lose the ability to function properly - e.g grades, eating, relationships, job
What is danger?
If the individual is a danger to themselves or others
Why is danger useful?
Can help individuals to access support and help quicker
What may happen if danger is significant?
Sectioned under the Mental Health Act
What is distress?
Obvious signs of distress in individual or close family member? - e.g irritable, crying
Why is distress useful?
Can be used for a diagnosis alone if it is significant enough
Why is distress problematic?
- People can often hide their emotions and suffer in silence
- People have different tolerances with distress
Strength?
Reliability - provide a structured, standardised procedure for psychologists to follow when assessing an individual - can ensure an individual receives the correct diagnosis and treatment to help them
Weakness?
Usefulness - may be difficult to diagnose with them because of subjectivity - e.g everyone deals with distress differently - how useful is the framework?
