Psychopathology

What is Statistical Infrequency

Abnormality is define as those behaviours that are extremely rare, or any behaviour that is found in very few people is regarded as abnormal

What is the normal distribution

The idea that for any human characteristic, the majority of people’s scores will fall on/near the average.

Any individuals that fall outside the ‘normal distribution’ with either extremely low or high scores (top and bottom 2%) are perceived as abnormal

When is this approach useful

When dealing with characteristics that can be reliably measured (eg intelligence)

Strengths of Statistical Infrequency (Definitions of abnormality)

-Objectively Measured: Based on quantitative data, uses reliable scientific measures for characteristics , not based on opinion

Limitations of Statistical Infrequency (Definitions of Abnormalities)

-Unusual characteristics can be positive: IQ scores over 130 are just as unusual as those below 70 but are regarded as desirable and don’t require special treatment. This definition doesn’t take desirability into account

-Not all abnormal behaviours are statistically rare. Up to 10% of adults in England would have experienced depression

-Cut off points are subjective: For example if it cut of IQ at 70 than 71 is considered normal

What is Deviation from social norms

concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society. Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated rules about how one ought to be behave

Examples and Descriptions of Deviation from social norms

All societies make collective judgments about what counts as ‘normal’ behaviours

Any behaviour that does not conform to accepted standards is abnormal

Norms vary across time and cultures

Strengths of Deviation from Social Norms (Definitions of Abnormality)

-Flexible definition: considers context of behaviour rather than applying rigid rules. Does not label behaviour as abnormal in every case- more sophisticated definition

Limitations of Deviation from Social Norms (Definitions of Abnormality)

-Is not always a sign of mental illness: for example speeding while driving deviates from norms but is not a sign of mental illness

-Cultural relativism: (Idea that behaviour can only be understood within cultural context of that behaviour) for example hearing voices in some african cultures is socially accepted because of beliefs but would be seen as abnormal in Uk

-Can lead to human rights abuses: Social norms are set by those in positions of power in society and have been used to justify discrimination and oppression (Drapetomailla- a ‘disorder causing black slaves to run away)

What is failure to function adequately

Occurs when someone is unable to function with ordinary demands of everyday living

Failure to Function adequately descriptions and examples

- Considered abnormal if it prevents an individual from being able to cope with the demands of everyday life, or their behaviour is a danger to themselves or others

-Unable to maintain basic standards of nutrition and hygiene

-Can no longer attend work/ school

What behaviours did Rosenhan and Seligman suggest an individual is unable to function

-Unpredictable

-Dangerous

-Personal distress

-Distress to observers

What is the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF)

Measures how well individuals function in everyday life

Strengths of Failure to Function Adequately (Definitions of Abnormality)

-An inability to cope can be measured objectivel- helps decide who needs help and who doesn’t

Limitations of Failure to Function Adequately (Definitions of Abnormality)

-Not everyone who is abnormal struggles with everyday life: Shipman murdered over 200 of his patients (abnormal) however still functioned (wife, 4 kids)

-Not everyone who is failing to function is abnormal: New Age Travellers Group do not live in permanent accommodation + don’t work doesn’t mean they’re abnormal

-‘Distressing’ Behaviour is subjective: What one person may find disturbing another may find normal- unreliable

What is Deviation from ideal mental health

Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health

Deviation From Ideal Mental Health Description and Examples

Behaviour is classified as abnormal if it does not meet the criteria for good mental health

The more less criteria met the more abnormal they are

What was Marie Jahoda’s Criteria for good mental health

• Self actualisation

• Cope with stress

• Good self esteem

• realistic perception of reality

• Environmental mastery

• Independent

Strengths of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

-Comprehensive Definition: covers a broad range of criteria for mental health, making it a more holistic approach. Gives a wide picture of what mental health might look like

-Positive Approach: Other definitions focus on what’s wrong, whereas this definition focuses on what’s ideal and promotes mental wellbeing. This encourages people to strive for good mental health

Limitations of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

-Criteria for mental health is too demanding: Very few of us attain all of Jahoda’s criteria for mental health all times. Therefor this approach would classify most people as abnormal which is unrealistic

-Based on western idea of mental health: some of Jahoda’s criteria reflects ideas of an individualist culture. Much of the world is collectivist. Therefore this definition can not be applied universally

What is a Phobia

An irrational fear of an object or situation

What are 3 types of phobias

Specific:Thing or object

Social: Social situations

Agoraphobia: Situations you can’t get out of

What are the 3 categories of Characteristics

-Behavioural

-Emotional

-Cognitve

What are the Behavioural Characteristics of Phobias

-Avoidance

-Panic

-Endurance

What is avoidance

Going into a lot of effort to avoid coming into contact with the phobic stimulus

What is Panic

If a phobic person comes face to face with an object or situation they will panic. This is a state of heightened psychological arousal

What is Endurance

Occurs when a sufferer remains in the presence of the phobic stimulus but continues to experience high levels of anxiety- this is like freezing in the flight, fight or freeze response

What are the emotional characteristics of phobias

-Anxiety/Fear

-Emotional responses are unreasonable

What is Anxiety/Fear

A strong unpleasant emotional response to the anticipation or presence of feared stimulus. This prevents sufferer from relaxing and makes it difficult to experience any positive emotion

What is Emotional responses are unreasonable

The emotional responses we experience in relation to phobic stimuli go beyond what is reasonable

What are the Cognitive Characteristics of phobias

-Selective attention to the phonic stimulus

-Irrational beliefs

-Cognitive Distortions

What is Selective Attention to the phobic stimulus

If a sufferer can see the phobic stimulus it is hard to direct their attention away from it

What are irrational beliefs

A phobic may hold unrealistic illogical beliefs in relation to phobic stimulus

What is cognitive distortions

The phonics perceptions of the phobic stimulus may be distorted