Clinical Psychology and Mental Health (Psycopathology)

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality

• Statistical Infrequency

• Deviation from social norms

• Failure to function adequately

• Deviation from ideal mental health

What is statistical Infrequency

• Defined by what falls outside the statistical range

• Common traits and behaviours are normal, uncommon traits aren’t

• E.g. those with an IQ below 70 can be diagnosed with intellectual disability

What are the limitations to statistical infrequency

• An uncommon behaviour isn’t necessarily an abnormal one

  • e.g. an IQ over 130 is just as uncommon as under 70 but we wouldn’t consider it abnormal.

• Not all disorders are uncommon

• The lifetime prevalence of depression is around 20% - however people with statistically common psychological disorders are still in need of treatment

What is Deviation from social norms

• A behaviour which goes against the standards of behaviour set by a society

• E.g. Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is characterised by intense and uncontrollable displays of emotion - may be disproportionate

What are the limitations of Deviation from social norms

• Social norms may vary across time and across cultures

  • E.g. Hearing voices is seen as highly abnormal in Western society, but in some cultures, such as the Maori people of New Zealand, is it seen as a normal thing

• Many people engage in behaviours which are not strictly in line with social norms, but there aren’t psychologically abnormal