Psychopathology

What is statistical infrequency

Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic compared to the rest of the population

Evaluate statistical infrequency

doesn't distinguish between positive and negative rare characteristics

Objective so factual and free from bias

What is deviation from social norms?

Behaviour that is different from the expected standards of behaviour in a community or society

Evaluation of deviation from social norms

Social norms change across time and culture

Pathologises antisocial criminal behaviour

Easy to notice

What is failure to function adequately?

Occurs when somebody is unable to cope with the ordinary demands of day to day living

Evaluation of failure to function adequately

Subjective of what is adequate, people with mental illnesses can force themself to function

Does mean that people struggling can get help

What is deviation from ideal metal health?

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

Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health

Risks pathologising majority of the population

Criteria for idea mental health by Jahoda

Rational thinking, accurate perception of self, strives to reach self-actualisation, copes well with stress, lack of distress, good self esteem, lack of guilt, independant, environmental mastery: works sucessfully and loves and enjoys leisure time

What is a phobia?

An irrational fear of an object or situation

3 categories of phobias

Specific- object, animal, situation

Social- social situations such as public speaking and using public toilets

Agoraphobia- being outside your home

Cognitive characteristics of phobias

Selective attention, difficult to look away, irrational thoughts, cognitive distortions: jumping to conclusions, focus on negative, mind reading

Emotional characteristics of phobias

Anxiety and fear, unreasonable emotional responce

Behavioural characteristics of phobias

Panic, avoidance and endurance